CVE-2008-3074: OS Command Injection
Description of problem:
Jan Minar has reported the following problem present in Vim shellescape() function implementation and demonstrated by testcases in tar.vim plugin:
The implementation of the shellescape() function does not properly escape all special items, in particular the '!' character). This can result in untrusted data being insufficiently sanitized and possibly lead to arbitrary code execution.
To show this vulnerability can be exploited, the tar.vim plugin test cases has been updated (tarplugin, tarplugin.v2 and tarplugin.updated test cases).
CVE-2008-3074 has been pre-assigned and used in rPath advisory:
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/10/7
References:
http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim-shellescape.html http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/15/2 http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/10/7 http://www.rdancer.org/vulnerablevim.html http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/07/13/1 http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/08/01/1
Other sources
The shellescape function in Vim 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.2a.10, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via the "!" (exclamation point) shell metacharacter in (1) the filename of a tar archive and possibly (2) the filename of the first file in a tar archive, which is not properly handled by the VIM TAR plugin (tar.vim) v.10 through v.22, as demonstrated by the shellescape, tarplugin.v2, tarplugin, and tarplugin.updated test cases. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2008-2712. NOTE: this issue has the same root cause as CVE-2008-3075. NOTE: due to the complexity of the associated disclosures and the incomplete information related to them, there may be inaccuracies in this CVE description and in external mappings to this identifier.
— Red Hat
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2008-3074?
CVE-2008-3074 is categorized as a high severity vulnerability due to its ability to allow arbitrary code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2008-3074?
To fix CVE-2008-3074, update to Vim version 7.2 or later or apply the appropriate patches from your distribution.
Which versions of Vim are affected by CVE-2008-3074?
CVE-2008-3074 affects Vim versions 7.0 through 7.2, including 7.1 and 7.2a.10.
What types of attacks are possible with CVE-2008-3074?
CVE-2008-3074 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code through crafted tar archive filenames.
Is CVE-2008-3074 a critical vulnerability?
Yes, due to its nature of allowing arbitrary code execution, CVE-2008-3074 is considered a critical vulnerability.