CVE-2011-10007 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Perl module File::Find::Rule (version 0.34 and earlier) maintained by RCLAMP. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands (CWE-78), specifically in the grep() method when it processes crafted filenames. The core issue is that File::Find::Rule uses the two-argument form of Perl's open() function, where the second argument is intended to be a mode string (e.g., '<' for reading). However, if an attacker controls the filename input, they can inject shell metacharacters or commands into this parameter, effectively turning the filename into an OS command that gets executed. This leads to arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the user running the Perl script. The example provided demonstrates how creating a directory with a filename containing a pipe character and a command (e.g., '|id') causes the execution of the 'id' command when File::Find::Rule's grep() is invoked on that directory. The vulnerability does not require authentication but does require user interaction in the form of processing or scanning files with malicious names. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, and no patches are currently linked, indicating that users must be cautious and apply mitigations proactively. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where File::Find::Rule is used to scan untrusted directories or file systems, as it can lead to full system compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on Perl scripts and modules for system administration, automation, or software development. Arbitrary code execution can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, system disruption, and lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers can execute commands to exfiltrate sensitive data. Integrity is compromised because attackers can modify or delete files and system configurations. Availability is also threatened as attackers could disrupt services or deploy ransomware. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often use Perl for legacy or automation tasks, are particularly vulnerable. The lack of patches means that organizations must rely on mitigating controls to prevent exploitation. Additionally, since the vulnerability requires user interaction (processing malicious filenames), environments that automatically scan or index files from external sources, such as file servers, mail servers, or web applications, are at higher risk. The threat could also be leveraged in supply chain attacks if malicious files are introduced into trusted environments.

1. Avoid using vulnerable versions of File::Find::Rule (0.34 and earlier). Upgrade to a patched or newer version once available. 2. If upgrading is not immediately possible, modify scripts to avoid using the two-argument form of open() with untrusted input; use the three-argument form of open() to separate the mode from the filename, preventing command injection. 3. Sanitize and validate all filenames before processing, rejecting or escaping special characters that could be interpreted as shell metacharacters. 4. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on directories scanned by File::Find::Rule to prevent introduction of malicious filenames. 5. Use application whitelisting and runtime protection to detect and block unexpected command executions. 6. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious activity related to Perl script execution. 7. Educate developers and system administrators about safe Perl coding practices, especially regarding file handling and command execution. 8. Restrict the execution context of Perl scripts to least privilege to limit the impact of potential exploitation.