CVE-2018-6574 in Google
Summary
by MITRE
Go before 1.8.7, Go 1.9.x before 1.9.4, and Go 1.10 pre-releases before Go 1.10rc2 allow "go get" remote command execution during source code build, by leveraging the gcc or clang plugin feature, because -fplugin= and -plugin= arguments were not blocked.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6574 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting multiple versions of the Go programming language ecosystem. This security issue specifically targets the "go get" command functionality, which is fundamental to Go's package management and dependency resolution processes. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems where Go is installed, creating a significant vector for malicious exploitation across development environments and continuous integration pipelines.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Go toolchain's handling of compiler arguments. When developers use the "go get" command to fetch and build packages from remote sources, the underlying build process passes arguments directly to gcc or clang compilers without proper sanitization. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the build process encounters -fplugin= and -plugin= command line arguments, which are legitimate compiler features for loading external plugins. However, these arguments were not properly blocked or filtered, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary plugin paths that could execute harmful code during the compilation phase.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of software supply chain security and compiler security practices, creating a dangerous attack surface where code execution can occur during legitimate package installation processes. The impact extends beyond simple command execution, as it can compromise entire development environments and potentially lead to broader system compromise when attackers leverage this vulnerability in conjunction with other attack vectors. The flaw affects not just individual developer machines but also automated build systems, containerized environments, and CI/CD pipelines that rely on Go's package management capabilities.
The operational consequences of CVE-2018-6574 are severe and far-reaching, as it can be exploited in automated attacks against vulnerable Go installations. Attackers can craft malicious packages that, when fetched and built using "go get", trigger the execution of arbitrary code on target systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and represents a supply chain attack vector that can persist in package repositories. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate package management workflows, making detection and prevention challenging for security teams.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of Go, specifically Go 1.8.7, Go 1.9.4, or Go 1.10rc2 and later releases. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level restrictions on package repositories and monitoring for unusual "go get" activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and argument sanitization in compiler toolchains, aligning with CWE-78 and CWE-74 standards for command injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should review their package management policies and consider implementing additional security controls around automated dependency fetching processes to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other tools and systems.