CVE-2018-15747 in glot-www
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of glot-www through 2018-05-19 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code because glot-code-runner supports os.system within a "python" "files" "content" JSON file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15747 affects the glot-www platform, a code execution service that allows users to run code snippets in various programming languages. This issue stems from the platform's default configuration which fails to properly sanitize user input, creating a critical security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the system. The vulnerability specifically resides within the glot-code-runner component that processes code execution requests through JSON formatted content.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of user-supplied code within the "python" "files" "content" JSON structure, where the system directly invokes os.system() without adequate input validation or sanitization. This design decision creates a path for command injection attacks, allowing malicious actors to insert and execute arbitrary system commands through carefully crafted JSON payloads. The vulnerability represents a classic command injection flaw that directly violates security best practices and can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system hosting glot-www. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the service account, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or complete system takeover. The default configuration aspect means that organizations deploying this platform without proper security hardening are immediately exposed to this risk, making it particularly dangerous in production environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate security controls in the code execution service, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access. Organizations should immediately implement proper input sanitization, restrict the execution environment, and disable unnecessary code execution features to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation strategies include implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied content, configuring the service to run with minimal privileges, and employing sandboxing techniques to isolate code execution environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, and regularly updating the platform to ensure that security patches are applied. The recommended approach involves disabling the problematic os.system() functionality and implementing a secure, restricted execution environment that prevents arbitrary code injection while maintaining the core functionality of the code execution service.