CVE-2016-2324 in Git
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Git before 2.7.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) long filename or (2) many nested trees, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2324 represents a critical integer overflow flaw in Git versions prior to 2.7.4 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within Git's handling of file names and directory structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the software's internal state through carefully crafted inputs. The flaw specifically affects how Git processes long filenames and deeply nested directory trees, both of which can trigger buffer overflow conditions in the software's memory management systems. The integer overflow occurs when Git attempts to calculate memory allocations for processing these inputs, leading to situations where the calculated values exceed the maximum representable integer, causing unexpected behavior and potential memory corruption. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where integer arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum value that can be stored in the target data type.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. Attackers can exploit this flaw by constructing malicious repositories or repository operations that contain extremely long filenames or deeply nested directory structures, effectively triggering the heap-based buffer overflow. When such inputs are processed by vulnerable Git versions, the corrupted memory can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Git's widespread adoption across development environments, version control systems, and continuous integration pipelines, making this vulnerability relevant to numerous organizations and infrastructure components. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no authentication to trigger, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where Git repositories are exposed to untrusted inputs or remote repositories are cloned without proper validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2324 focus primarily on immediate version updates to Git 2.7.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the integer overflow conditions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable Git versions and prioritize patching operations accordingly. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of Git repositories to untrusted networks or users, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing input validation policies for repository content, monitoring for unusual file naming patterns or deeply nested directory structures, and establishing secure coding practices for Git-based applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect vulnerable Git installations and ensure that all Git operations are performed with proper input sanitization and validation checks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to verify that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in Git functionality.