CAPEC Definitions / CAPEC-17
CAPEC-17: Using Malicious Files
An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an adversary to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an adversary to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
Extended Description
No Extended Description.
Mitigations
Design: Enforce principle of least privilege
Design: Run server interfaces with a non-root account and/or utilize chroot jails or other configuration techniques to constrain privileges even if attacker gains some limited access to commands.
Implementation: Perform testing such as pen-testing and vulnerability scanning to identify directories, programs, and interfaces that grant direct access to executables.
Relationships with other CAPECs
Prerequisites
System's configuration must allow an attacker to directly access executable files or upload files to execute. This means that any access control system that is supposed to mediate communications between the subject and the object is set incorrectly or assumes a benign environment.
Related Weaknesses
CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource
CWE-285: Improper Authorization
CWE-272: Least Privilege Violation
CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
CWE-282: Improper Ownership Management
CWE-270: Privilege Context Switching Error
CWE-693: Protection Mechanism Failure
