CVE-2020-7795 in get-npm-package-version
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2022
The package get-npm-package-version before 1.0.7 are vulnerable to Command Injection via main function in index.js.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7795 affects the get-npm-package-version npm package prior to version 1.0.7, presenting a critical command injection flaw that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically resides within the main function of the index.js file, making it a direct attack vector for compromising applications that utilize this package. The flaw represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The package is commonly used in development environments and continuous integration pipelines where npm package version management is critical, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability across multiple attack surfaces.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided input parameters within the main function of the index.js file. When the package processes package names or version specifications, it fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying operating system. This weakness directly maps to CWE-78, which defines the improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, a well-documented and frequently exploited category of vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious package names or version strings that contain shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, which when processed by the vulnerable function, get executed as system commands with the privileges of the process running the package.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7795 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when the vulnerable package is used in automated environments. Development teams relying on this package for version management within CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, or build scripts face elevated risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or system manipulation. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious package publishing, supply chain attacks, or by compromising systems where the vulnerable package is installed. Given that npm packages are often installed without extensive security review, the attack surface is broad and includes both development and production environments. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, specifically targeting the use of shell commands in automated processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through package version updates to 1.0.7 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and command escaping mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable versions of the package and implement automated monitoring for package updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict package verification processes, using npm audit tools to scan for vulnerable dependencies, and establishing secure coding practices that prevent command injection in all application components. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation, using parameterized commands, and avoiding direct shell command construction from user inputs. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation, privilege separation, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of their software supply chain.