CVE-2021-41392 in Note
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2021
static/main-preload.js in Boost Note through 0.22.0 allows remote command execution. A remote attacker may send a crafted IPC message to the exposed vulnerable ipcRenderer IPC interface, which invokes the dangerous openExternal Electron API.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41392 affects Boost Note version 0.22.0 and earlier, representing a critical remote command execution flaw within the application's static main-preload.js file. This vulnerability specifically targets the Electron framework's inter-process communication mechanism, creating a dangerous attack surface that allows remote adversaries to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The flaw exists in the ipcRenderer IPC interface, which serves as a communication channel between the renderer process and the main process in Electron applications, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the dangerous openExternal Electron API, which is designed to open external resources such as websites or files using the system's default applications. However, when improperly exposed through the vulnerable IPC interface, this API becomes a vector for command injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious IPC messages that exploit the exposed interface to invoke openExternal with malicious parameters, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the running application. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that transforms a legitimate API into an attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over affected systems without requiring any local access or user interaction. The vulnerability affects desktop applications running on Electron framework, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such applications are commonly deployed. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The exposure of the ipcRenderer interface creates a persistent attack surface that remains active until the vulnerability is patched, making it a high-priority target for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-41392 should focus on immediate patching of Boost Note to version 0.22.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and interface restriction. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Electron-based applications and consider disabling unnecessary IPC interfaces in Electron applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-74 standards, which address command injection and improper input validation respectively, while also mapping to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement proper logging of IPC communications to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, application developers should follow secure coding practices for Electron applications, including proper validation of IPC message parameters and limiting exposure of sensitive APIs to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.