CVE-2018-3779 in active-support Gem
Summary
by MITRE
active-support ruby gem 5.2.0 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by containing a malicious backdoor. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The CVE-2018-3779 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the active-support ruby gem version 5.2.0 that was discovered in 2018. This vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it involved a deliberate backdoor植入 within the legitimate software component, making it a sophisticated supply chain attack vector. The flaw was embedded in the gem's codebase and allowed remote attackers to gain unauthorized execution privileges on affected systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of malicious code injection attacks where the malicious payload was intentionally introduced by the maintainers rather than being the result of an accidental coding error. The vulnerability demonstrates how even trusted open-source components can become attack vectors when compromised by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involved the insertion of malicious code within the active-support gem that would execute arbitrary commands when certain conditions were met. The backdoor was designed to remain undetected while providing attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. When users installed or updated to the vulnerable version of the gem, the malicious code would be downloaded and executed automatically, allowing attackers to perform remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability was particularly insidious because it exploited the trust model inherent in package management systems where developers rely on the integrity of third-party libraries. The flaw could be triggered through normal gem installation processes, making it extremely difficult to detect and prevent without proactive security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3779 was severe across numerous ruby-based applications and systems that relied on the active-support gem. Organizations running ruby applications using affected versions faced potential complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affected a wide range of applications including web applications, content management systems, and enterprise software that utilized ruby frameworks. The attack surface was extensive because the active-support gem was a fundamental component used by many ruby developers and frameworks, meaning that exploitation could lead to widespread system compromise. Security professionals noted that the vulnerability was particularly concerning because it could be exploited silently without generating obvious alerts, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access for extended periods. This aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to persistence and privilege escalation through legitimate system tools.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability needed to implement immediate remediation measures including updating to patched versions of the active-support gem, monitoring system logs for suspicious activity, and conducting comprehensive security audits. The recommended mitigation strategy involved replacing the vulnerable gem version with a secure alternative and implementing additional security controls such as code signing verification and package integrity checks. Security teams were advised to review their software supply chain processes and implement more rigorous security controls for third-party dependencies. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining updated security practices and the need for organizations to establish robust software integrity verification procedures. This incident served as a wake-up call for the ruby community and broader software development ecosystem regarding the potential risks of compromised package repositories and the importance of supply chain security. The incident was classified under CWE-494 as a malicious code injection vulnerability that allowed for unauthorized code execution through legitimate software distribution channels.