Command Injection Definition:
Command Injection is a security Vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on a host operating system via a vulnerable application. It occurs when user input is improperly handled or sanitised, enabling attackers to manipulate input parameters to inject and execute commands beyond the application's intended scope.
What is Command Injection?
Command Injection happens when an application dynamically constructs and executes system-level commands using user-provided input without proper validation or sanitisation. This Vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the input to include additional commands, leading to potential unauthorised access, data theft, or system compromise. Unlike code injection, which targets application code, Command Injection targets the underlying operating system.
Why is Command Injection important?
The purpose of Command Injection attacks is to gain control over system resources, execute malicious commands, access sensitive data, or pivot within a network. Exploiting this Vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, such as remote code execution, Privilege Escalation, Data Breaches, or Denial of Service. Attackers can leverage Command Injection for Reconnaissance, persistence, or further Exploitation of a compromised system.
How does Command Injection work?
Command Injection attacks are typically carried out by manipulating user input fields, form parameters, or URL paths to insert additional commands. For example, an input like `; rm -rf /` could be injected if the application directly passes user input into system commands without sanitisation. Preventing Command Injection requires input validation, proper escaping, using parameterised commands, and avoiding direct execution of user-controlled input in system calls.
Command Injection Examples:
Examples of Command Injection include manipulating a vulnerable web application form to execute shell commands, injecting OS commands into an input field intended for filenames, or using specially crafted URLs to execute system-level commands. Command Injection can also be leveraged for Privilege Escalation, where attackers Exploit a weak input handling mechanism to gain root-level access.
Command Injection Issues:
Challenges in mitigating Command Injection include ensuring consistent input validation and preventing input from being interpreted as system commands. Applications should use secure coding practices, such as sanitising input, using parameterised queries, and leveraging security libraries that restrict direct access to system commands. Regular security testing and code reviews are essential to identify and address potential Command Injection vulnerabilities.
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