CVE-2017-17515 in Metview
Summary
by MITRE
etc/ObjectList in Metview 4.7.3 does not validate strings before launching the program specified by the BROWSER environment variable, which might allow remote attackers to conduct argument-injection attacks via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17515 resides within the Metview 4.7.3 software, specifically within the etc/ObjectList component that handles object listing functionality. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through argument injection techniques. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied strings without proper sanitization before executing commands through the BROWSER environment variable, effectively allowing unauthorized code execution in the context of the running application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which respectively address command injection and code injection flaws within software systems. The flaw occurs because the ObjectList component fails to validate or sanitize string inputs that are subsequently used to construct command-line arguments for launching external browser applications. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL containing specially formatted strings, these inputs are directly incorporated into the command execution chain without proper validation, creating an environment where arbitrary commands can be executed on the target system. This represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization that enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable versions of Metview. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level without requiring local system access, making it an attractive target for remote exploitation campaigns. The BROWSER environment variable typically used for opening URLs in external applications becomes a vector for command injection, as the application does not properly escape or validate special characters that could alter the intended command execution flow.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the techniques related to command and script injection. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the vulnerability can be triggered through web-based interfaces or URL handling mechanisms, making it suitable for exploitation via web browsers or web applications that interact with Metview. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, particularly around environment variable usage and command execution contexts. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of Metview, implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deploy web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious URL patterns. Additionally, security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that environment variables are not directly influenced by user inputs, and that proper input validation is enforced at multiple layers of the application architecture to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities from occurring in other components.