CVE-2017-17532 in Kiwi
Summary
by MITRE
examples/framework/news/news3.py in Kiwi 1.9.22 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 • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17532 resides within the Kiwi web application framework version 1.9.22, specifically in the news3.py script located in the examples/framework/news directory. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of user-supplied data. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes URLs that contain maliciously crafted strings, which are then used to construct command-line arguments for executing external programs through the BROWSER environment variable.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, known as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and more specifically with CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The flaw occurs because the news3.py script fails to properly sanitize or validate strings before incorporating them into command execution contexts. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious URL containing specially formatted input, the application passes this unvalidated data directly to the system command that launches the browser application, creating an argument injection scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the user running the Kiwi application. This command injection capability allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects any system running Kiwi 1.9.22 where the BROWSER environment variable is set and the application processes external URLs without proper validation.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1105 for remote file execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it highly dangerous in environments where Kiwi applications are accessible to unauthenticated users. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation that violates fundamental security principles of defense in depth and principle of least privilege.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17532 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's data flow. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of Kiwi framework where this vulnerability has been addressed. The remediation process involves ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly validated and sanitized before being used in any command execution context. Additionally, implementing proper environment variable handling and avoiding direct string concatenation into system commands will significantly reduce the risk. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.