CVE-2019-14960 in Rider
Summary
by MITRE
JetBrains Rider before 2019.1.2 was using an unsigned JetBrains.Rider.Unity.Editor.Plugin.Repacked.dll file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14960 pertains to JetBrains Rider versions prior to 2019.1.2 which incorporated an unsigned DLL file known as JetBrains.Rider.Unity.Editor.Plugin.Repacked.dll. This represents a significant security weakness within the software development environment that could potentially allow malicious actors to compromise the integrity of the development workflow. The presence of unsigned components within a development tool creates an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to inject malicious code or manipulate the software's behavior during Unity plugin execution.
This vulnerability falls under the category of code integrity and software supply chain security issues, specifically addressing the lack of digital signatures on critical components within the JetBrains Rider ecosystem. The unsigned DLL file represents a failure in implementing proper code signing practices that are fundamental to maintaining software authenticity and preventing unauthorized modifications. According to CWE-610, this vulnerability stems from the use of externally-provided code without proper verification mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to substitute legitimate code with malicious alternatives.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code integrity concerns and affects the entire development lifecycle within Unity-based projects. When developers use JetBrains Rider for Unity development, the unsigned DLL file could be replaced or modified by attackers who gain access to the development environment or supply chain. This compromise could lead to the execution of malicious code during Unity plugin operations, potentially resulting in data exfiltration, development environment corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive project information. The vulnerability specifically affects the Unity editor integration functionality that relies on the repacked plugin component.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Software Supply Chain Attack tactic, where adversaries compromise the development environment to inject malicious code into legitimate software. The lack of code signing validation creates an opportunity for attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks against the development environment or exploit weak security practices within the software distribution process. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader supply chain risk management strategies, particularly when evaluating development tools that integrate with popular frameworks like Unity.
The recommended mitigation for this vulnerability involves upgrading to JetBrains Rider 2019.1.2 or later versions where proper code signing mechanisms have been implemented for the affected DLL component. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as verifying digital signatures on all third-party components, implementing software composition analysis tools, and establishing secure development practices that include code signing verification. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated version maintains compatibility with existing Unity projects while addressing the code integrity concerns. Additionally, security teams should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other development tools and establish policies for verifying software authenticity before deployment in development environments.