CVE-2019-10783 in lsof Module
Summary
by MITRE
All versions including 0.0.4 of lsof npm module are vulnerable to Command Injection. Every exported method used by the package uses the exec function to parse user input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2024
The lsof npm module version 0.0.4 and all prior versions contain a critical command injection vulnerability that fundamentally compromises system security. This vulnerability exists because the package's exported methods utilize the exec function to process user input without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled input is directly passed to system commands, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 0.0.4, indicating a long-standing security issue that has persisted across multiple releases without adequate remediation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in npm modules because they are often used as dependencies in larger applications, amplifying the potential impact of exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's reliance on the exec function for executing system commands to gather process information. When user input is passed directly to exec without proper input validation or sanitization, an attacker can inject malicious commands that will be executed with the privileges of the process running the lsof module. This creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands on the host system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the system call level where user-supplied data is concatenated directly into command strings, bypassing any built-in security mechanisms that would normally prevent such injection attacks. This pattern aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a fundamental failure in input handling practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and system reconnaissance. When the lsof module is used in applications, particularly those running with elevated privileges, the attack surface expands significantly. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or access sensitive system information. The vulnerability affects not just individual systems but entire application ecosystems that depend on this module, as the injection point exists in a core utility function that is likely called throughout various parts of an application. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where the module might be used in security-critical applications or services that handle sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to a patched version of the lsof npm module or implement proper input validation at the application level. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their dependency trees to identify all applications using vulnerable versions of the module. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques and avoiding direct execution of user-supplied data through system commands. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections such as sandboxing or privilege separation to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how insecure command execution patterns can be exploited by adversaries. Organizations should also implement dependency monitoring and automated security scanning to prevent similar issues in other third-party libraries.