CVE-2017-17530 in Geomview
Summary
by MITRE
common/help.c in Geomview 1.9.5 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-2017-17530 resides within the Geomview 1.9.5 software suite, specifically in the common/help.c component that handles user interface help functionality. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands. The issue manifests when the application attempts to launch an external program using the BROWSER environment variable, which is commonly used to specify which web browser should be opened when users access help documentation or external links within the application. The lack of input validation creates a dangerous scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the execution flow of the software by injecting arbitrary command arguments through specially crafted URLs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection respectively. When users navigate to help content or click on external links within Geomview, the application retrieves the BROWSER environment variable and directly incorporates its value into a system call without proper sanitization or validation. This allows attackers to inject additional commands or arguments that get executed with the privileges of the user running Geomview. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through crafted URLs, making it an attractive target for attackers who wish to exploit the software without requiring local access. The attack vector specifically targets the environment variable handling mechanism, where the application assumes that the BROWSER variable contains only valid browser executable paths without verifying the content or structure of the provided string.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17530 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can potentially enable full system compromise depending on the privileges under which Geomview operates. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malicious software. The vulnerability affects users who may inadvertently click on malicious links within the application's help system or documentation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have limited security awareness. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that many users rely on default browser configurations, and the BROWSER environment variable can be easily manipulated through various system-level mechanisms. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and command execution, as it allows attackers to bypass normal application security controls and directly interface with the underlying operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17530 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all environment variables, particularly those used in system command construction, undergo rigorous validation before being processed. This includes implementing strict parameter filtering that rejects or escapes special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters or injection points. Organizations should consider implementing a whitelist approach for browser executable paths, where only known safe and legitimate browser executables are accepted. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal required privileges, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. System administrators should also monitor environment variable configurations and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of the BROWSER variable. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in application security, particularly when dealing with environment variables that are directly incorporated into system-level operations. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar patterns that could lead to command injection vulnerabilities in other parts of the application or similar software components.