CVE-2020-7627 in node-key-sender
Summary
by MITRE
node-key-sender through 1.0.11 is vulnerable to Command Injection. It allows execution of arbitrary commands via the 'arrParams' argument in the 'execute()' function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7627 affects the node-key-sender package version 1.0.11 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides within the execute() function where the 'arrParams' argument is processed without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed by the underlying system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into system commands without adequate escaping or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where user-controllable input is concatenated directly into command strings without proper sanitization. When the execute() function processes the arrParams argument, it fails to properly escape special characters or validate the input against a whitelist of allowed values. This allows an attacker to append malicious commands that get executed in the context of the application's privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through a single parameter that flows directly into system command execution, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of the package.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited by malicious actors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially enabling them to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects any system that relies on node-key-sender for keyboard input handling or command execution, making it particularly concerning in environments where such packages are used for automation or system administration tasks. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely through network interfaces that utilize the vulnerable package, and the impact can be amplified in containerized environments where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-7627 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable package to version 1.0.12 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation at all levels of their applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data that might be passed to system commands. The implementation of secure coding practices such as parameterized command execution, input whitelisting, and proper escaping of special characters should be enforced. Additionally, network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories related to command injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and it maps to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and script interpreters and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple attack surface areas.