CVE-2019-19795 in Samurai
Summary
by MITRE
samurai 0.7 has a heap-based buffer overflow in canonpath in util.c via a crafted build file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19795 affects the samurai build system version 0.7, specifically within the canonpath function located in the util.c source file. This heap-based buffer overflow represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited through maliciously crafted build files, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing file paths during the build process, creating an exploitable condition in the heap memory management of the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the canonpath function failing to properly validate the length of input strings when canonicalizing file paths. When samurai processes a crafted build file containing maliciously constructed path data, the function attempts to copy input data into a heap-allocated buffer without adequate size verification. This primitive overflow condition occurs because the application does not enforce proper bounds checking on user-supplied input, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that the overflow can corrupt heap metadata, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient bounds checking in memory management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-19795 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the samurai process, potentially leading to full system compromise if the build system runs with elevated permissions. The attack vector through crafted build files makes this particularly dangerous in environments where automated build processes are common, as attackers could embed malicious content in legitimate build configurations without detection. Organizations using samurai for build automation may face significant security risks, especially in continuous integration environments where build files are frequently processed and updated. The vulnerability affects systems where samurai is used for software compilation and build management, creating potential entry points for attackers seeking to compromise development environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19795 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the heap overflow condition. System administrators should prioritize patching affected samurai installations and implementing strict input validation for all build files processed by the system. Additional protective measures include deploying heap protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems running samurai build processes, particularly in development environments where build files may come from untrusted sources. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual build file modifications or processing patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing build file integrity verification mechanisms and establishing secure build practices that validate all inputs before processing, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in build systems, which are critical components of software supply chain security and should be addressed through comprehensive security hardening procedures.