CVE-2017-17527 in PasDoc
Summary
by MITRE
delphi_gui/WWWBrowserRunnerDM.pas in PasDoc 0.14 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 • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17527 resides within the delphi_guiWWWBrowserRunnerDMpas component of PasDoc version 0.14, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of application execution processes. This issue manifests when the application fails to properly validate strings before executing commands through the BROWSER environment variable, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary arguments into the system's browser launching mechanism. The vulnerability specifically affects the WWWBrowserRunnerDM.pas file which serves as the core component responsible for handling web browser operations within the PasDoc graphical user interface framework.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the PasDoc application's browser invocation logic. When a user or remote attacker provides a crafted URL, the system directly incorporates this input into the command execution flow without proper string validation or escaping mechanisms. This primitive approach to command construction creates an argument injection vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate the browser launching process by embedding additional command-line arguments within the URL string. The BROWSER environment variable, which typically specifies the default web browser executable, becomes a vector for arbitrary code execution when combined with unvalidated user input, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious commands on the target system with the privileges of the running application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser manipulation, as it represents a significant elevation of privileges and execution capability within the affected system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the target machine, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on the application's execution context and the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, where attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when processed by PasDoc, result in unintended command execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, which specifically address command injection flaws in software applications, making it a direct threat to system integrity and user security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17527 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the PasDoc application. The most effective approach involves properly escaping or quoting all user-supplied input before incorporating it into system command execution contexts, preventing argument injection attacks through proper string handling. Organizations should also consider updating to newer versions of PasDoc where this vulnerability has been addressed, as the maintainers have likely implemented proper input validation measures. Additionally, implementing proper environment variable isolation and access controls can limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting which applications can modify or access the BROWSER environment variable. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.001 technique for command and script interpreter execution, highlighting the need for proper input validation to prevent unauthorized command injection scenarios that could lead to complete system compromise.