CWE-77 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')
CWE-77 High
- Abstraction:
- Class
- Structure:
- Simple
- Status:
- Draft
- Weakness Name
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')
- Description
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
Many protocols and products have their own custom command language. While OS or shell command strings are frequently discovered and targeted, developers may not realize that these other command languages might also be vulnerable to attacks.
- Common Consequences
Scope: Integrity, Confidentiality, Availability
Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Notes: If a malicious user injects a character (such as a semi-colon) that delimits the end of one command and the beginning of another, it may be possible to then insert an entirely new and unrelated command that was not intended to be executed. This gives an attacker a privilege or capability that they would not otherwise have.
- Related Weaknesses
- Release Date:
- 2006-07-19
- Latest Modification Date:
- 2024-07-16