CVE-2024-51442 in Minidlna
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2025
Command Injection in Minidlna version v1.3.3 and before allows an attacker to execute arbitrary OS commands via a specially crafted minidlna.conf configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-51442 represents a critical command injection flaw in the Minidlna media server software, specifically affecting versions v1.3.3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the configuration file processing mechanism of the software, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input during the parsing of the minidlna.conf file. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed with the privileges of the Minidlna process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This represents a significant security risk as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system through crafted configuration inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the configuration parsing routines of Minidlna. When the application processes a maliciously crafted minidlna.conf file, it fails to properly escape or validate special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters or shell metacharacters. This allows an attacker to inject operating system commands that will be executed by the system shell, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the principle of insufficient input sanitization, which is classified under CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw specifically targets the command execution flow where configuration parameters are processed without adequate security controls to prevent shell injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-51442 extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the compromised network. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other networked devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Minidlna is commonly deployed in home and small office environments where it may be exposed to untrusted networks or attackers with minimal privileges. The attack surface is amplified when considering that the vulnerability can be triggered through configuration file manipulation, which might occur during legitimate administrative tasks or through social engineering attacks that trick users into accepting malicious configuration files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51442 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the most effective defense against this specific flaw. Organizations should implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of configuration files, including proper file permissions and integrity checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring should be employed to detect suspicious configuration file modifications or unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and script interpreter execution and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. Regular security assessments should include verification of configuration file integrity and monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system components. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and reduce the window of vulnerability exposure.