CVE-2020-7625 in op-browser
Summary
by MITRE
op-browser through 1.0.6 is vulnerable to Command Injection. It allows execution of arbitrary commands via the url function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7625 affects op-browser versions through 1.0.6 and represents a critical command injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution through the url function. This vulnerability resides in the browser component's handling of URL parameters and demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper input validation and sanitization. The issue allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system by manipulating the url function parameter, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided input before it is processed by the browser component, creating an attack surface where command execution can occur directly within the application's runtime environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of URL parameters within the op-browser component, specifically when the url function processes incoming requests. When a user provides a malicious URL containing command injection payloads, the system fails to properly validate or escape the input before executing any commands. This flaw aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, and CWE-94 which addresses improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability can be exploited through various injection techniques including but not limited to command chaining, environment variable manipulation, and shell metacharacter exploitation. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious URL that includes shell commands or system calls which are then executed by the vulnerable browser component.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7625 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system, execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application, and potentially escalate privileges to gain root or administrator access. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, install malware, modify system configurations, or extract sensitive data from the compromised system. The impact is particularly severe in environments where op-browser is used to process untrusted web content or where it operates with elevated privileges. This vulnerability can affect web applications, automated systems, and any environment where the affected browser component is deployed to handle user-provided URLs or web requests.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7625 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations should upgrade to op-browser version 1.0.7 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and command execution restrictions. In the interim, administrators should implement strict input validation measures including parameter filtering, character encoding, and regular expression-based sanitization of URL parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious command injection patterns. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits can help minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through log analysis and implement proper logging of URL processing activities to detect potential attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for command injection attacks, particularly focusing on input validation and privilege separation controls.