CVE-2018-16460 in ps Package
Summary
by MITRE
A command Injection in ps package versions <1.0.0 for Node.js allowed arbitrary commands to be executed when attacker controls the PID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16460 represents a critical command injection flaw within the ps package version 1.0.0 and earlier for Node.js environments. This security weakness arises from improper input validation and sanitization when processing process identifiers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker can control the process identifier parameter, which then gets directly incorporated into system commands without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the ps package's handling of process information retrieval where user-supplied PID values are concatenated directly into shell commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This pattern aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which respectively address command injection through improper input handling and code injection through untrusted data. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure coding practice where external input flows directly into system command execution contexts, violating fundamental security principles of input validation and sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Node.js applications that utilize the ps package for process monitoring or management tasks. Attackers who can manipulate the PID parameter can potentially execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the process owner, which could range from simple information disclosure to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond individual applications to affect entire system integrity, particularly in environments where Node.js applications run with elevated privileges or access to sensitive system resources.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited through various vectors including web applications that accept process identifiers from user input, API endpoints that expose process information, or any system that utilizes the affected ps package for process management. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges beyond those needed to interact with the vulnerable application, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors. Security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK taxonomy categorize this as a command execution technique under the execution tactic, where adversaries leverage system interfaces to run malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16460 should prioritize immediate package updates to version 1.0.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that reject or sanitize any potentially malicious input before processing, particularly for parameters that may be used in system command contexts. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles for Node.js applications, employing sandboxing techniques, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party dependencies. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should also be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of dependency management and regular security auditing in modern software development practices.