CVE-2022-23465 in SwiftTerm
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2022
SwiftTerm is a Xterm/VT100 Terminal emulator. Prior to commit a94e6b24d24ce9680ad79884992e1dff8e150a31, an attacker could modify the window title via a certain character escape sequence and then insert it back to the command line in the user's terminal, e.g. when the user views a file containing the malicious sequence, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands. Version a94e6b24d24ce9680ad79884992e1dff8e150a31 contains a patch for this issue. There are no known workarounds available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23465 affects SwiftTerm, a terminal emulator that implements xterm and vt100 terminal emulation standards. This security flaw represents a critical command injection vulnerability that exploits the terminal's handling of escape sequences and window title manipulation. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to commit a94e6b24d24ce9680ad79884992e1dff8e150a31, where the terminal emulator fails to properly sanitize escape sequences that can modify the window title. The attack vector leverages the fact that when users view files containing malicious escape sequences, these sequences are processed and subsequently inserted back into the command line, creating a dangerous feedback loop.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of escape sequences within the terminal emulator's processing pipeline. When a malicious escape sequence modifies the window title, the system fails to properly isolate or escape these sequences before they are rendered back to the command line context. This creates a scenario where attacker-controlled escape sequences can be executed in the user's terminal environment, potentially allowing arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability operates at the terminal emulation layer, where escape sequences are interpreted and processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by viewing a file containing the malicious content. The issue aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on victim systems through seemingly benign file viewing operations. An attacker could embed malicious escape sequences in text files, emails, or other documents that users might open in the vulnerable terminal emulator. When users view these files, the escape sequences would modify the window title and then be reinserted into the command line, potentially executing commands with the privileges of the user running the terminal emulator. This attack model follows the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the terminal command execution capability. The vulnerability essentially creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that can be triggered by any file interaction within the terminal environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the patched version identified by commit a94e6b24d24ce9680ad79884992e1dff8e150a31. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of SwiftTerm and ensure immediate patching. Since no known workarounds exist, administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable terminal emulators and monitor for suspicious file viewing patterns. Additional defensive measures include implementing terminal command execution monitoring, deploying terminal emulation security controls, and educating users about the risks of viewing untrusted files in terminal environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper escape sequence sanitization in terminal applications and demonstrates how seemingly benign terminal features can become attack vectors when not properly secured.