CVE-2017-17519 in OCaml Batteries
Summary
by MITRE
batteriesConfig.mlp in OCaml Batteries Included (aka ocaml-batteries) 2.6 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 • 12/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17519 resides within the batteriesConfig.mlp component of OCaml Batteries Included version 2.6, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute argument-injection attacks through manipulation of the BROWSER environment variable. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the configuration processing module, where strings are not properly sanitized before being used to construct command executions. The vulnerability specifically affects systems that rely on the ocaml-batteries library for handling configuration files and browser launching functionality, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited across various network environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied strings within the batteriesConfig.mlp script, which directly influences how the BROWSER environment variable is processed and executed. When a maliciously crafted URL is provided as input, the system fails to validate or sanitize the string content before incorporating it into the command execution chain that launches the browser application. This lack of proper input validation creates a scenario where attackers can inject arbitrary command-line arguments that get executed by the underlying operating system shell, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution or system compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, which specifically address command injection vulnerabilities and improper neutralization of special elements used in argument lists, respectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems that depend on OCaml Batteries Included for configuration management. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where multiple systems may be vulnerable. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications and services that utilize OCaml-based frameworks or components, creating widespread potential impact across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17519 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with updated versions of OCaml Batteries Included that address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations must implement proper string sanitization and validation mechanisms before any user-provided input is processed for command execution, following established security practices outlined in the OWASP Input Validation guidelines. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing environment variable restrictions and command execution controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all components utilizing OCaml Batteries Included have been properly updated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the environment.