CVE-2019-10778 in devcert-sanscache
Summary
by MITRE
devcert-sanscache before 0.4.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a Command Injection via the exec function. The variable `commonName` controlled by user input is used as part of the `exec` function without any sanitization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10778 resides within the devcert-sanscache package version 0.4.7 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the improper handling of user-controllable input within the exec function, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise system integrity. The flaw occurs when the commonName variable, which originates from user input, is directly incorporated into system execution commands without any form of input sanitization or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection attack vector where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system command execution contexts. The commonName parameter, typically used in certificate management operations, becomes the conduit for malicious command execution when processed through the exec function. This design flaw violates fundamental security principles of input validation and sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the package might be exposed to untrusted inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling full system compromise and persistent access for threat actors. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize devcert-sanscache for certificate management operations, particularly those in development environments or automated deployment pipelines where the package might be invoked with user-provided certificate names or common names. The remote exploitability means that attackers need not have physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widely accessible services or applications that might use this package.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10778 require immediate patching to version 0.4.7 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and validation for the commonName parameter. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, sandboxing of certificate management operations, and network segmentation to limit exposure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, which specifically address command injection flaws and improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution contexts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), representing the techniques attackers would use to exploit such command injection vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous command execution patterns and establish proper input validation controls to prevent similar issues in other applications.