CVE-2020-7630 in git-add-remote
Summary
by MITRE
git-add-remote through 1.0.0 is vulnerable to Command Injection. It allows execution of arbitrary commands via the name argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7630 affects the git-add-remote tool version 1.0.0 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution through the name argument. This vulnerability resides within the tool's improper handling of user-supplied input during the remote repository addition process, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter special characters in the name parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate the tool's behavior through crafted input sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, where user-controllable data flows directly into system command execution contexts without proper sanitization. When an attacker provides a specially crafted name argument containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks, the tool processes this input directly within shell commands without adequate escaping or parameterization. This allows the attacker to append additional commands that execute with the privileges of the user running the git-add-remote tool, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including web interfaces, command line usage, or automated tools that interact with the affected functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistence establishment within affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive repositories, modify or delete remote configurations, and potentially escalate privileges to execute commands with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability affects systems where git-add-remote is installed and used, particularly in development environments, continuous integration systems, and automated deployment pipelines where the tool might be invoked with untrusted input. The attack surface is significant since many development workflows involve automated scripts that might use this tool, making it a prime target for exploitation in supply chain attacks or privilege escalation scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7630 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software to version 1.0.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering, parameterized command execution, and proper shell escaping techniques to prevent injection attacks. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability scanning, network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable tools, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The remediation process should follow established security practices including thorough testing of patches, implementation of principle of least privilege for users running the tool, and regular security audits of development environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated security controls such as web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper command execution practices in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.