Description
Narcissus is vulnerable to remote code execution via improper input handling in its image configuration workflow. Specifically, the backend.php script fails to sanitize the release parameter before passing it to the configure_image() function. This function invokes PHP’s passthru() with the unsanitized input, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary system commands. Exploitation occurs via a crafted POST request, resulting in command execution under the web server’s context.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ångström Distribution Project | Narcissus | — | — |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Metasploit 1 module
-
Narcissus Image Configuration Passthru Vulnerability
exploit/unix/webapp/narcissus_backend_exec
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
References
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/unix/webapp/narcissus_backend_exec.rb exploit
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/22709 exploit
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/22856 exploit
- https://web.archive.org/web/20101127002623/https://narcissus.angstrom-distribution.org/ product
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/narcissus-image-config-command-injection third-party-advisory