CVE-2021-40720 in Ops CLI
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2021
Ops CLI version 2.0.4 (and earlier) is affected by a Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution when the checkout_repo function is called on a maliciously crafted file. An attacker can leverage this to execute arbitrary code on the victim machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-40720 affects Ops CLI version 2.0.4 and earlier, representing a critical deserialization flaw that enables remote code execution. This issue stems from the improper handling of untrusted data during the checkout_repo function execution, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed on victim systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes a maliciously crafted file through its deserialization mechanism, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which defines Deserialization of Untrusted Data as a weakness where applications deserialize data from untrusted sources without proper validation or sanitization. When the checkout_repo function processes a crafted file, the deserialization process fails to validate the integrity and authenticity of the input data, enabling attackers to construct malicious payloads that, when deserialized, trigger unintended code execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of insecure deserialization patterns and privilege escalation opportunities, as the deserialization process typically occurs within the context of the application's execution environment, potentially providing attackers with elevated system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or escalate privileges within affected systems. Attackers can craft malicious files that, when processed by the checkout_repo function, will execute commands on the victim machine, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitability is heightened by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction, as the malicious file can be delivered through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or direct file transfers. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where developers and system administrators may inadvertently process malicious files during routine operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-40720 should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to Ops CLI 2.0.5 or later, which contain patches addressing the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from being processed through deserialization mechanisms, following the principle of least privilege and input validation best practices. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious deserialization activities, and regular security awareness training should be provided to personnel who may encounter potentially malicious files during system operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for preventing deserialization attacks and maintaining system integrity.