CVE-2020-7635 in compass-compile
Summary
by MITRE
compass-compile through 0.0.1 is vulnerable to Command Injection.It allows execution of arbitrary commands via tha options argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7635 affects compass-compile version 0.0.1 and represents a critical command injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution through the options argument. This vulnerability resides within the command-line interface of the compass-compile tool, which is typically used for compiling sass stylesheets into css. The flaw occurs when user-supplied input from the options argument is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the compass-compile utility where command-line arguments are concatenated or passed directly to shell execution functions. This design pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct pathway for command injection attacks. When an attacker provides malicious input through the options argument, the system processes this input as part of a shell command, allowing execution of unintended system commands with the privileges of the user running the compass-compile utility. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands, and represents a classic example of unsafe command construction in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited. An attacker could execute commands such as file manipulation, privilege escalation, network reconnaissance, or even establish persistent backdoors on the affected system. The vulnerability affects any environment where compass-compile is installed and used, particularly development environments where the tool might be executed with elevated privileges. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on automated build processes or continuous integration pipelines where the tool might be invoked with administrative permissions, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over build servers or development workstations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through version updates, as the affected version 0.0.1 has likely been superseded by secure releases. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent command injection, including proper escaping of special characters and the use of parameterized command execution rather than string concatenation. Additionally, privilege separation should be enforced where possible, ensuring that compass-compile runs with minimal necessary permissions. The implementation of secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques should be considered to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. System administrators should also monitor for unauthorized installations or usage of vulnerable versions and implement proper access controls to limit who can execute the affected tool.