CVE-2022-0144 in shelljs
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2022
shelljs is vulnerable to Improper Privilege Management
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0144 affects the shelljs JavaScript library, which is widely used for executing shell commands within Node.js applications. This issue stems from improper privilege management where the library fails to adequately handle user-controlled input when constructing shell commands, creating potential security risks for applications that rely on shelljs for system operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when applications use shelljs to execute commands that incorporate user-provided data without proper sanitization or validation, leading to potential command injection scenarios that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw in shelljs occurs within its command execution mechanisms where the library does not properly isolate or escape user input before incorporating it into shell commands. This improper privilege management allows attackers to manipulate the execution flow of shell commands by injecting malicious payloads that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the executing process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because shelljs is commonly used in development tools, build scripts, and automation frameworks where it often runs with elevated privileges or in environments where command execution is required for legitimate operations. According to CWE-78, this maps directly to improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that process external input through shell interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0144 extends beyond simple command injection as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive system resources, or perform unauthorized operations on compromised systems. Applications using shelljs in production environments may become vulnerable to attacks that exploit this flaw, particularly when the library is used in contexts where user input is processed without adequate validation. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines, development environments, or any system where shelljs is used to execute system commands that might be influenced by external data sources. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially gain access to system files, execute unauthorized processes, or compromise the integrity of automated build and deployment systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0144 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates, input validation, and privilege reduction measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of shelljs where available, as this addresses the core implementation flaw in the command execution handling. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation and sanitization for any user-provided data that might be used in shell command construction, employing techniques such as parameterized execution or whitelisting approaches to prevent injection attacks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that applications using shelljs run with minimal required permissions, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as command and script execution, privilege escalation, and defense evasion, making it a significant concern for security teams implementing comprehensive threat detection and response strategies.