Rule:

--
Sid:
2001

--
Summary:
This event is generated when a remote user attempts to access smartsearch.cgi on a web server. This may indicate an attempt to exploit an arbitrary code execution vulnerability in Smart Search, a "pay-per-click" search engine.

--
Impact:
Arbitrary code execution.

--
Detailed Information:
Smart Search "pay-per-click" search engine software contains a vulnerability that allows code execution using a specially-crafted URL. Using the "keywords" parameter accepted by smartsearch.cgi, an attacker can pass arbitrary Perl code to the web server, which will then attempt to execute it.

--
Affected Systems:
Any server using Smart Search 4.x.

--
Attack Scenarios:
An attacker can pass Perl code to a web server running Smart Search by forwarding a URL with specific keyword parameters. The web server will then attempt to execute the commands included in the URL.

--
Ease of Attack:
Simple. An exploit exists.

--
False Positives:
If a legitimate remote user accesses smartsearch.cgi, this rule may generate an event.

--
False Negatives:
None known.

--
Corrective Action:
It is not known if this vulnerability has been patched in recent versions. Contact the vendor (http://www.smarterscripts.com/smartsearch/index.shtml) for more details. 

Check the host for signs of compromise.

--
Contributors:
Sourcefire Research Team
Brian Caswell <bmc@sourcefire.com>
Sourcefire Technical Publications Team
Jen Harvey <jennifer.harvey@sourcefire.com>

--
Additional References:

SecuriTeam
http://www.securiteam.com/exploits/5AP041F8VA.html

Secunia
http://www.secunia.com/advisories/8389/

--
