CVE-2021-3013 in ripgrep
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
ripgrep before 13 allows attackers to trigger execution of arbitrary programs from the current working directory via the -z/--search-zip or --pre flag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-3013 affects ripgrep versions prior to 13, presenting a critical security risk through improper handling of command execution flags. This flaw specifically manifests when users employ the -z/--search-zip or --pre flag options, which are designed to enable ripgrep to search within compressed files or execute pre-processing commands respectively. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands through these legitimate flag parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the command execution model within ripgrep's processing pipeline. When the --pre flag is utilized, the software expects to execute pre-processing commands on input files, but fails to properly isolate or sanitize the command strings passed through this interface. Attackers can craft malicious input that includes shell command injection payloads, enabling them to execute arbitrary programs from the current working directory where ripgrep is invoked. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that operates at the application layer, allowing for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the context of the ripgrep process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the file system, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access within compromised environments. When ripgrep is used in automated workflows or continuous integration systems, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through legitimate tool usage patterns. The vulnerability affects any system where ripgrep is executed with user-controlled input or when the tool processes untrusted data streams through its pre-processing capabilities.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious commands through command and scripting interpreter. The risk assessment indicates this vulnerability should be prioritized for immediate remediation, particularly in environments where ripgrep processes untrusted input or operates with elevated privileges. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to upgrade to ripgrep version 13 or later, which includes proper input validation and command execution sanitization.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of all affected systems, implementing strict input validation for any ripgrep usage in automated environments, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that ripgrep installations are properly configured to prevent command injection opportunities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized programs through ripgrep's command processing capabilities, ensuring that only explicitly trusted commands can be executed within the tool's operational context.