CVE-2020-7628 in install-package
Summary
by MITRE
install-package through 1.1.6 is vulnerable to Command Injection. It allows execution of arbitrary commands via the device function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7628 affects the install-package utility version 1.1.6 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw that enables remote code execution through the device function. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of user-supplied input during package installation processes, where insufficient input validation and sanitization allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that are subsequently executed within the system context. The affected component specifically processes device-related parameters without proper sanitization, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and execute unauthorized operations on the target system. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77 and CWE-88, representing command injection vulnerabilities where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system commands without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides adversaries with potential access to underlying system resources and capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform actions such as file manipulation, process control, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal prerequisites, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the affected software is deployed with elevated privileges. The device function in question likely handles device-specific parameters or configuration data that gets processed through shell commands, creating a direct attack surface for command injection. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and potentially T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, depending on the execution context and system permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7628 should prioritize immediate patching of the install-package utility to version 1.1.7 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including proper escaping of special characters and validation of all user-supplied data before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable software, particularly those handling device management functions. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that the install-package utility operates with minimal required permissions to reduce potential impact from successful exploitation. Additionally, monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other instances of similar command injection vulnerabilities within their software ecosystems, as this represents a common class of weakness that often appears in system management tools and device drivers.