CVE-2017-8799 in iRODS
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted input execution via igetwild in all iRODS versions before 4.1.11 and 4.2.1 allows other iRODS users (potentially anonymous) to execute remote shell commands via iRODS virtual pathnames. To exploit this vulnerability, a virtual iRODS pathname that includes a semicolon would be retrieved via igetwild. Because igetwild is a Bash script, the part of the pathname following the semicolon would be executed in the user's shell.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The CVE-2017-8799 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the iRODS (Integrated Rule-Oriented Data System) data management platform that affects versions prior to 4.1.11 and 4.2.1. This vulnerability operates through the igetwild utility, which serves as a bash script component within the iRODS ecosystem and is designed to retrieve and process virtual pathnames. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the pathname processing logic, creating an environment where maliciously crafted virtual pathnames can be exploited to execute arbitrary shell commands on the target system.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the improper handling of semicolon characters within virtual pathnames, which function as command separators in bash shell environments. When igetwild processes a virtual pathname containing a semicolon, the shell interprets everything following the semicolon as a separate command to be executed, effectively bypassing normal input validation controls. This behavior stems from the fundamental design decision to invoke shell commands directly without proper escaping or sanitization of user-provided path components. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-78 category of "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command" and demonstrates a classic command injection weakness that has been documented across numerous security frameworks and threat models.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Any iRODS user with access to the system, including potentially anonymous users who can authenticate through the iRODS protocol, can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the iRODS service account. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on iRODS for data management, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring elevated privileges or specialized access. The attack vector operates through legitimate iRODS functionality, making detection more challenging as malicious activity appears to originate from normal system operations rather than suspicious network traffic patterns.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the use of bash shell execution through command injection. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign data processing functions can become attack surfaces when proper input validation is absent. Organizations utilizing iRODS systems face potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and denial of service scenarios as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources, manipulate data, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with basic knowledge of shell command injection techniques.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through version upgrades to iRODS 4.1.11 or 4.2.1, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to iRODS services, establish strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and monitor for unusual command execution patterns. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary iRODS functionality, implementing input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security assessments of the iRODS installation to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the potential consequences of shell command execution in data management systems.