CVE-2020-7629 in install-package
Summary
by MITRE
install-package through 0.4.0 is vulnerable to Command Injection. It allows execution of arbitrary commands via the options argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7629 resides within the install-package utility version 0.4.0 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the options argument parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing. The flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability where untrusted data is directly incorporated into system command execution contexts without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the install-package utility's argument processing logic. When users provide options arguments to the utility, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could alter the intended command structure. This allows malicious actors to inject additional commands that will be executed with the privileges of the user running the install-package utility. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that includes shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or other command separators that would cause the system to execute unintended operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable full system compromise when the install-package utility is executed with elevated privileges. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning in automated deployment environments where the install-package utility might be invoked with administrative privileges, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1059.003 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) as it leverages command execution capabilities to achieve its objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7629 should focus on immediate patching of the install-package utility to version 0.4.1 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all user-provided arguments, particularly those that are directly incorporated into system commands. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the install-package utility runs with minimal necessary permissions, preventing potential privilege escalation from command injection attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components, as command injection flaws often occur in systems that handle user input in command contexts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing such critical security issues from manifesting in production environments.