CVE-2021-41280 in Sharetribe Go
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2021
Sharetribe Go is a source available marketplace software. In affected versions operating system command injection is possible on installations of Sharetribe Go, that do not have a secret AWS Simple Notification Service (SNS) notification token configured via the `sns_notification_token` configuration parameter. This configuration parameter is unset by default. The vulnerability has been patched in version 10.2.1. Users who are unable to upgrade should set the`sns_notification_token` configuration parameter to a secret value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2021
Sharetribe Go represents a comprehensive marketplace software solution that enables businesses to create and manage online marketplaces with various features including user management, product listings, and transaction processing. The software operates as a source-available platform that provides organizations with flexibility in deployment and customization while maintaining core marketplace functionalities. This particular vulnerability affects installations that lack proper security configuration, specifically the absence of a secret AWS Simple Notification Service token configuration. The default configuration of Sharetribe Go does not include the sns_notification_token parameter, leaving installations vulnerable to exploitation when this critical security measure is not implemented. The vulnerability manifests as an operating system command injection flaw that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system hosting the marketplace software.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's handling of notification parameters. When the sns_notification_token configuration parameter remains unset, the software fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data that may be processed through system command execution contexts. This creates a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled input can be directly incorporated into operating system commands without proper sanitization, allowing for arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability specifically exploits the absence of a secret token that would normally act as a security boundary and input validation mechanism. According to CWE standards, this represents a command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-77, which encompasses the execution of arbitrary commands through improper input handling. The flaw operates at the application layer where the software processes user inputs that should be restricted to legitimate notification routing rather than system command execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the marketplace server, potentially accessing sensitive user data, financial information, and system resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations running Sharetribe Go installations without proper security hardening, as the default configuration leaves systems exposed to exploitation. This vulnerability can lead to persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, service disruption, and potentially lateral movement within network environments where the marketplace server resides. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability exists in the default installation state, meaning organizations must actively configure security measures to protect against exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms that attackers can leverage to maintain access and expand their operational capabilities within compromised environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves setting the sns_notification_token configuration parameter to a strong, secret value that properly secures the notification processing functionality. This configuration change effectively neutralizes the command injection vulnerability by providing the necessary input validation and sanitization that was previously missing. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Sharetribe Go installations to identify any other potential misconfigurations or security gaps. Regular monitoring of system logs and network traffic should be implemented to detect any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The patch version 10.2.1 addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation and security hardening measures that prevent the injection of malicious commands. Organizations unable to upgrade immediately must ensure that all installations properly configure the sns_notification_token parameter and maintain regular security audits to identify and address any additional vulnerabilities that may exist in their marketplace environments.