CVE-2020-28443 in sonar-wrapper
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2022
This affects all versions of package sonar-wrapper. The injection point is located in lib/sonarRunner.js.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-28443 represents a critical command injection flaw within the sonar-wrapper package ecosystem. This issue affects all versions of the package and stems from insecure handling of user input within the lib/sonarRunner.js file. The sonar-wrapper package serves as a utility for executing sonar-scanner commands in automated environments, making it a common dependency in continuous integration and deployment pipelines. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before incorporating them into system commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed with the privileges of the running process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses OS Command Injection, a well-documented weakness in software systems where untrusted data is directly incorporated into command execution contexts. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the sonar-wrapper package is frequently used in automated build environments where it may execute with elevated privileges. When an attacker can manipulate input parameters passed to the sonar-scanner execution, they can potentially execute arbitrary system commands, leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Command and Scripting Interpreter tactic, specifically leveraging the execution of system commands through legitimate utilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data, install backdoors, modify build processes, or disrupt continuous integration workflows. In enterprise environments where sonar-wrapper is used for code quality analysis and security scanning, this vulnerability can provide attackers with persistent access to development infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in containerized environments or CI/CD pipelines where the sonar-wrapper process may run with elevated permissions, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire build systems. Additionally, the widespread adoption of this package across various development toolchains means that exploitation could affect numerous organizations simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-28443 should prioritize immediate remediation through package updates to versions that properly sanitize input parameters before command execution. Organizations should implement strict input validation and parameter sanitization measures within their build processes, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or validated before being passed to system commands. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running sonar-wrapper processes with minimal required permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns in their CI/CD environments. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their dependency trees to identify other potentially vulnerable packages and establish secure coding practices that prevent similar injection vulnerabilities in custom applications. Regular security scanning of development dependencies and maintaining up-to-date security patches form the foundation of defense against such vulnerabilities.