CVE-2017-1000487 in Plexus-utils
Summary
by MITRE
Plexus-utils before 3.0.16 is vulnerable to command injection because it does not correctly process the contents of double quoted strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
Plexus-utils version 3.0.15 and earlier contains a critical command injection vulnerability that stems from improper handling of double-quoted string contents during command execution processes. This vulnerability resides in the utility library's command processing mechanisms where it fails to adequately sanitize or escape special characters within quoted string parameters. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the command execution layer where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system calls without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be traced to CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. When the library processes double-quoted strings, it does not properly escape or quote special shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, backticks, or pipes that could alter the intended command execution flow. This improper handling creates an environment where attackers can manipulate input parameters to inject additional commands that execute alongside the intended operations. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on plexus-utils for command processing, particularly those that accept user input for system commands or shell operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation within affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, or perform destructive operations depending on the execution context and permissions of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where plexus-utils is used for build processes, automated deployments, or any scenario where user input might influence command execution paths. This could lead to supply chain compromises, data exfiltration, or complete system takeover depending on the target environment and access levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through the upgrade to plexus-utils version 3.0.16 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly handle quoted string contents. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation, parameterized command execution, and least privilege principles to minimize potential impact if exploitation occurs. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques, emphasizing the need for proper input sanitization and execution environment hardening. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of all systems using affected versions and implement monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.