CVE-2015-0778 in OpenSuSE OSC
Summary
by MITRE
osc before 0.151.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a _service file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0778 affects the osc tool, which is a command-line client for the Open Build Service, a distributed build system used for creating and managing software packages. This flaw exists in versions prior to 0.151.0 and represents a critical security issue that could enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable versions of the osc tool. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the osc tool processes _service files, which are used to define automated build services and modifications within the Open Build Service ecosystem. These service files are typically used to automate tasks such as downloading sources, applying patches, or performing other build-time operations that are integral to the package management workflow.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the osc tool's handling of _service files. When osc encounters a _service file during processing, it fails to properly escape or sanitize shell metacharacters that may be present in the file content. This improper handling creates a command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted and executed as shell commands by the underlying system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because _service files are often automatically processed by the osc tool during package builds, meaning that an attacker could potentially compromise systems simply by uploading malicious service files to a build environment or by manipulating service file content in a way that gets processed by osc. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through shell interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on the Open Build Service for package management and software distribution. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on build systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the introduction of backdoors into the build infrastructure. The attack surface extends beyond individual systems to include entire build environments where multiple packages are processed through automated workflows. Organizations using osc for package building and distribution could face supply chain compromises if attackers gain access to build systems and can inject malicious code into packages that are subsequently distributed to end users. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where osc is used in automated build processes, continuous integration systems, or when developers have the ability to upload or modify service files within the Open Build Service infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0778 should prioritize immediate upgrade to osc version 0.151.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all _service files and ensure that service files are properly reviewed and validated before being processed by osc tools. Additional defensive measures include restricting write permissions for service file directories, implementing network segmentation to limit access to build systems, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious service file content and establish secure coding practices for any custom build scripts or service definitions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in build automation tools and highlights the need for security reviews of command execution pathways in distributed build systems, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for software development security.