CVE-2019-3575 in Sqla_yaml_fixtures
Summary
by MITRE
Sqla_yaml_fixtures 0.9.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary python code via the fixture_text argument in sqla_yaml_fixtures.load.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3575 resides within the sqla_yaml_fixtures Python package version 0.9.1, presenting a critical security risk that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary Python code through improper input validation. This flaw specifically manifests when the fixture_text argument in the sqla_yaml_fixtures.load function processes user-controlled data without adequate sanitization or validation measures. The vulnerability represents a classic code injection flaw that exploits the package's reliance on YAML parsing for database fixture management, creating an avenue for malicious code execution within the application's runtime environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the package's failure to properly handle untrusted YAML input during the fixture loading process. When the load function processes the fixture_text parameter, it likely employs Python's yaml.load() or similar parsing methods that can execute arbitrary Python objects during deserialization. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-502, which categorizes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical weakness enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates under the principle that YAML parsers can interpret Python objects and execute them during the parsing process, particularly when the yaml.load() function is used without proper restrictions or safe loading mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for applications that utilize sqla_yaml_fixtures for database population and testing purposes. Local attackers who can influence the fixture_text argument can execute malicious Python code with the privileges of the application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, modify database contents, or establish persistent access points within the target environment. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system and the ability to modify fixture files or input parameters can exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations using this package in development environments, continuous integration pipelines, or automated testing frameworks face heightened risk as these systems often run with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites since it only necessitates local access and the ability to influence fixture data, making it an attractive target for both internal threat actors and attackers who have gained limited system access. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate package updates to versions that properly implement safe YAML loading practices, input validation, and privilege separation to prevent unauthorized code execution. Additionally, organizations should implement strict access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to fixture files, while also considering the broader security implications of YAML parsing in their application architectures.