Command Injection Vulnerability in reNgine 2.2.0

The reNgine 2.2.0, an open-source reconnaissance framework, has been identified with a command injection vulnerability. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the host system, posing substantial risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target environment. In this article, we will explore the technical details of this vulnerability, the entry points, and examples of attack payloads.

What is Command Injection?

Command injection is a type of security flaw whereby an attacker can insert malicious commands into a system that executes commands without proper input validation. This vulnerability can occur in web applications, where input from users is not properly sanitized, allowing for arbitrary command execution.

Details of the Vulnerability

In reNgine 2.2.0, the vulnerability manifests in specific HTTP endpoints that are responsible for accepting user input. The flaw is primarily due to insufficient validation of input parameters. Without proper checks, an attacker can manipulate the input to execute malicious system commands.

Entry Points

The entry point for the command injection vulnerability in reNgine typically involves specific parameters passed via HTTP GET or POST methods. It is crucial to note that:

• The vulnerability can be exploited using unauthenticated requests, making it easier for attackers to target the system.
• Adversaries can inject payloads into parameters that should only accept benign input.

Technical Payload Example

In this section, we will provide examples of payloads that can be used to exploit the command injection vulnerability in reNgine 2.2.0:

• Payload to execute a simple command like whoami:
  • example.com/endpoint?param=1;whoami
• Payload to execute a more harmful command, such as creating a malicious file:
  • example.com/endpoint?param=1;echo “malicious code” > /tmp/malicious_file

Execution Flow

The execution flow of a command injection vulnerability can be visualized in the following ASCII diagram:

User Input (HTTP request)
            |
            v
  Validate Input (False)
            |
            v
  Execute Command (Command injection executed)
            |
            v
   System Command Invoked

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the command injection vulnerability in reNgine 2.2.0, the following strategies should be implemented:

• Input Validation: Implement strict input validation to ensure only acceptable input formats are allowed.
• Use Parameterized Commands: Instead of concatenating user input into commands, use parameterized statements or APIs that limit command execution to only those that are safe.
• Security Patches: Keep the reNgine framework updated and apply any security patches provided by the authors.

FAQs

What is a command injection vulnerability?

A command injection vulnerability occurs when an attacker can execute arbitrary system commands by injecting malicious input into a web application or system. This can compromise the security of the affected system.

How can I identify a command injection vulnerability?

Command injection vulnerabilities can often be identified through user input fields that execute system commands. Look for places where input is directly passed to command execution routines without proper validation.

Is the command injection in reNgine 2.2.0 authenticated?

No, the command injection vulnerability in reNgine 2.2.0 is non-authenticated, allowing attackers to exploit it without needing credentials.

What types of commands can be executed with this vulnerability?

Attackers can execute a wide range of commands, including system commands like whoami, file manipulation commands, and network scanning tools, which can lead to further exploitation.

Can this vulnerability lead to a complete system compromise?

Yes, if successfully exploited, a command injection vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, create backdoors, or extract sensitive data.

How should administrators respond if they suspect exploitation?

If exploitation is suspected, administrators should immediately audit their logs, review known vulnerable parameters, and implement immediate mitigations to isolate the affected service.

For further assistance in securing your environment, consider exploring SecureLayer7’s offensive security and API security scanner capabilities. Stay informed and protect your systems!

Article adapted from information found on Exploit Database by the original author.