CVE-2019-8255 in Brackets
Summary
by MITRE
Brackets versions 1.14 and earlier have a command injection vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8255 affects Adobe Brackets versions 1.14 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that exposes users to significant security risks. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input during command execution processes, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation. Brackets, as a popular code editor, processes various user inputs including file paths, command-line arguments, and configuration parameters that are subsequently executed as system commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within Brackets' command execution pipeline. When users interact with the editor's features that involve system command invocation, such as file operations, build processes, or plugin execution, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into shell commands. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that bypass normal security controls and execute with the privileges of the Brackets process. The vulnerability particularly impacts scenarios where the editor handles external file operations or executes system utilities, as these contexts provide the most opportunities for command injection attacks to occur.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8255 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to affected environments. The risk is particularly elevated in development environments where Brackets is commonly used, as these systems often contain sensitive source code, credentials, and development artifacts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through command-line interfaces. The attack surface includes scenarios where users open malicious files or interact with compromised plugins, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in collaborative development environments where multiple users share common systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8255 focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions 1.15 and later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of Brackets are updated promptly across development environments. Additional defensive measures include restricting user privileges when running Brackets, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts through anomalous command execution behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input sanitization and secure coding practices, particularly in applications that interface with system-level operations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments of development tools and integrated environments.