CVE-2020-28366 in Google
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2020
Go before 1.14.12 and 1.15.x before 1.15.5 allows Code Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-28366 represents a critical code injection flaw affecting the go programming language runtime environment. This issue impacts versions prior to 1.14.12 and 1.15.x prior to 1.15.5, creating a significant security risk for applications built using these versions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the go runtime's handling of certain code execution pathways, particularly affecting how the language processes and evaluates dynamic code constructs. This flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code that can be executed within the context of the running go application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the go runtime's improper handling of code evaluation functions and dynamic code generation mechanisms. When the go runtime processes certain inputs through its code injection pathways, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before executing it as code. This weakness falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" which specifically addresses situations where applications generate code without proper controls over the source or content of that code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including user input processing, configuration file parsing, or external data handling within go applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations deploying go applications, especially those handling untrusted input or operating in multi-tenant environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond individual applications to potentially affect entire infrastructure components that rely on go-based services. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications, microservices, and backend systems that process external input, making it a prime target for exploitation in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-28366 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of the go programming language runtime, specifically versions 1.14.12 or 1.15.5 and later. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected go versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation controls, employing runtime code analysis tools, and deploying network segmentation strategies to limit potential attack surface. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and similar execution methods that could be leveraged through this code injection flaw. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious code execution patterns as part of their overall defense-in-depth strategy.