CVE-2019-15599 in tree-kill
Summary
by MITRE
A Code Injection exists in tree-kill on Windows which allows a remote code execution when an attacker is able to control the input into the command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15599 represents a critical code injection flaw within the tree-kill npm package, specifically manifesting on Windows operating systems. This package serves as a utility for terminating processes and their child processes recursively, making it a commonly used dependency in Node.js applications. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the package's command execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary code that gets executed within the context of the victim's system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate input parameters that are subsequently passed to system commands without proper sanitization. On Windows systems, this typically involves passing unvalidated user input directly to shell commands or process management functions. The flaw falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code," specifically manifesting as code injection where attacker-controlled data is executed as code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution, meaning an attacker can potentially execute arbitrary commands on the target system without requiring physical access or local privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, install malicious software, or establish persistence within the compromised system. The tree-kill package's widespread adoption in Node.js environments means that numerous applications could be affected, potentially creating a cascade of security issues across different organizations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where user input is processed through this package, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web forms, API endpoints, or file upload mechanisms that pass user data to the vulnerable package.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through dependency updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent versions of the tree-kill package. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization practices, ensuring that any user-provided data passed to system commands undergoes proper filtering and escaping. The implementation of principle of least privilege and sandboxing techniques can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other third-party dependencies. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for robust input validation and secure coding practices to prevent such execution flaws in software dependencies.