CVE-2023-50917 in MajorDoMo
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2023
MajorDoMo (aka Major Domestic Module) before 0662e5e allows command execution via thumb.php shell metacharacters. NOTE: this is unrelated to the Majordomo mailing-list manager.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50917 affects MajorDoMo, a domestic automation module system that provides home automation capabilities through web interfaces. This particular flaw exists in versions prior to commit 0662e5e and represents a critical command execution vulnerability that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the thumb.php component which processes thumbnail generation requests, making it accessible to unauthorized users who can exploit the system's handling of shell metacharacters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the thumb.php script. When the system processes thumbnail requests, it fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied parameters that contain shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or other command injection indicators. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the web server process, potentially with elevated privileges depending on the system configuration. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in command injection attacks, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for users operating affected MajorDoMo systems, particularly in residential or small business environments where home automation systems are deployed. An attacker could potentially gain complete control over the affected system, allowing for data exfiltration, system compromise, or use as a pivot point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability is especially concerning because it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication, meaning that any user with access to the web interface could exploit this flaw. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage system command execution capabilities to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching to the latest version of MajorDoMo that includes the fix for commit 0662e5e. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the MajorDoMo web interface, restrict administrative access to only trusted users, and monitor for suspicious activity related to thumbnail generation requests. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation measures can provide additional defense in depth. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary features and ensuring that the web server runs with minimal privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and properly sanitizing data before processing, particularly in components that handle file operations or system commands.