CVE-2020-36377 in AAPTJS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2021
An issue was discovered in the dump function in shenzhim aaptjs 1.3.1, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via the filePath parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36377 resides within the shenzhim aaptjs 1.3.1 library, specifically within its dump function implementation. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper input validation of the filePath parameter. The affected library is commonly used in Android application packaging and manipulation processes, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through maliciously crafted file paths. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable commands rather than benign file references.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the dump function processes a filePath parameter that contains maliciously crafted input sequences. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary commands that bypass normal execution boundaries and are subsequently executed by the underlying system. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the dump function likely operates with elevated privileges or system-level access, allowing successful exploitation to result in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to data theft, system persistence, or further network infiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-36377 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within affected environments. Organizations using shenzhim aaptjs 1.3.1 in their Android development pipelines or deployment processes face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability affects systems where the library is integrated into build processes, automated testing frameworks, or application packaging workflows, making it particularly dangerous in continuous integration environments. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of broader attack surface assessments, as it could be combined with other weaknesses to achieve more severe outcomes including privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks. The lack of proper input validation creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the underlying code is patched or updated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-36377 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to the latest version of shenzhim aaptjs that addresses the command injection flaw. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied filePath parameters, ensuring that special characters and command sequences are properly escaped or filtered. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems utilizing this library, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms that can identify and block malicious input patterns before they can be processed by the vulnerable function. Regular vulnerability assessments and dependency scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other third-party libraries and prevent future occurrences of command injection vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the security posture of affected systems.