CVE-2020-36381 in AAPTJS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2021
An issue was discovered in the singleCrunch 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-2020-36381 resides within the singleCrunch function of shenzhim aaptjs version 1.3.1, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This issue falls under the broader category of command injection vulnerabilities, where attacker-controlled input is directly incorporated into system commands without adequate sanitization or validation. The affected software component processes file paths through the filePath parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow of the application. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation mechanisms that should normally prevent arbitrary code execution through crafted file path parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker provides a malicious filePath parameter that bypasses normal input validation checks within the singleCrunch function. This allows the application to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system with the privileges of the running process. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77 and CWE-94, representing command injection and code injection vulnerabilities respectively, where user-supplied data is interpreted as executable code. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious file path that includes shell commands or system calls, which are then executed by the vulnerable application. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where the application runs with elevated privileges, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain complete system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-36381 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations utilizing shenzhim aaptjs 1.3.1 are at risk of unauthorized access, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack surfaces including web interfaces, file upload mechanisms, or any application component that accepts user-provided file path parameters. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code. The implications are particularly severe in cloud environments or containerized applications where such vulnerabilities could be leveraged for privilege escalation or persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious file path parameters from reaching the vulnerable singleCrunch function. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing potentially dangerous characters or sequences that could lead to command execution. The recommended approach includes employing secure coding practices such as input sanitization, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding to prevent command injection attacks. Additionally, the affected software should be updated to a patched version that addresses the input validation weakness, or the application should be configured to run with minimal privileges to limit potential damage. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious command execution patterns and establish proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of the vulnerable application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in application code.