CVE-2014-1929 in python-gnupg
Summary
by MITRE
python-gnupg 0.3.5 and 0.3.6 allows context-dependent attackers to have an unspecified impact via vectors related to "option injection through positional arguments." NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2013-7323.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1929 affects the python-gnupg library version 0.3.5 and 0.3.6, representing a critical security flaw that enables context-dependent attackers to exploit unspecified impacts through option injection via positional arguments. This vulnerability demonstrates the persistent nature of security issues in cryptographic libraries where incomplete fixes can leave systems exposed to sophisticated attacks. The flaw specifically relates to how the library handles command-line arguments when executing GnuPG operations, creating potential pathways for malicious input manipulation that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of encrypted communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it stems from an incomplete remediation of a previously identified issue, CVE-2013-7323, indicating a pattern of inadequate security patching that leaves systems vulnerable to repeated exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of positional arguments during GnuPG command execution within the python-gnupg library. When developers or attackers pass arguments to GnuPG functions, the library fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs, allowing maliciously crafted arguments to be interpreted as additional command-line options rather than data parameters. This creates a scenario where an attacker could inject arbitrary GnuPG options that might alter the behavior of encryption or decryption operations, potentially leading to data exposure, unauthorized access, or execution of unintended commands. The vulnerability operates at the interface between high-level python functions and low-level GnuPG system calls, where argument parsing and sanitization mechanisms prove insufficient to prevent malicious input from being processed as legitimate command options.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass potential system compromise and cryptographic security degradation. Attackers could exploit this flaw to manipulate encryption parameters, bypass security checks, or execute unauthorized operations within the GnuPG environment. The unspecified nature of the impact suggests that the consequences could range from minor data integrity issues to complete system compromise depending on the specific context and implementation details. Organizations relying on python-gnupg for secure communications, email encryption, or digital signature verification face significant risks as this vulnerability could be leveraged to undermine the fundamental security guarantees that GnuPG is designed to provide. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where python-gnupg is used for automated security processes, making the potential impact more severe as attacks could be executed without user intervention.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1929 require immediate remediation through proper library version updates and comprehensive input validation implementation. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of python-gnupg that properly address the option injection vulnerability, ensuring that all instances of the library are updated across the infrastructure. The implementation of strict input validation mechanisms becomes critical, requiring that all arguments passed to GnuPG functions undergo thorough sanitization and verification before processing. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging around GnuPG operations to detect anomalous argument patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories related to command injection, and its exploitation patterns correspond to techniques found in the ATT&CK framework under command and control, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary commands through argument injection methods that bypass normal security controls.