CVE-2022-24345 in IntelliJ
Summary
by MITRE • 02/25/2022
In JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA before 2021.2.4, local code execution (without permission from a user) upon opening a project was possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2022
This vulnerability in JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw that allows arbitrary code execution during project opening operations. The issue affects versions prior to 2021.2.4 and stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the IDE's project loading mechanism. When a user opens a maliciously crafted project file, the application fails to properly validate the contents, creating an execution path that bypasses normal user permission requirements. This vulnerability operates at the application level and leverages the trust relationship between the IDE and its project files, enabling attackers to execute code with the privileges of the running IntelliJ IDEA process.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves improper handling of project configuration files and metadata that are processed during the project initialization phase. The vulnerability can be triggered through specially crafted project files that contain malicious code or references to external resources. When the IDE parses these project files, it executes code without proper sandboxing or privilege separation mechanisms. This behavior aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-94, which address command injection and code injection vulnerabilities respectively, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input before processing it. The flaw essentially creates an attack surface where untrusted project data can be interpreted and executed as code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be exploited in various scenarios. An attacker could craft malicious project files that appear legitimate to users, making social engineering attacks more effective. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in development environments where multiple developers collaborate on projects, as a single compromised project file could affect all team members. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting and T1566 for Phishing, as it can be delivered through seemingly benign project files. The attack chain typically involves initial compromise through malicious project files, followed by code execution that can escalate privileges or establish persistence within the development environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to IntelliJ IDEA 2021.2.4 or later versions, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement strict project file validation policies, including regular scanning of project repositories for potentially malicious content. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, developers should be educated about the risks of opening project files from untrusted sources, and organizations should establish secure development practices that include code review processes for project configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation in development tools, as outlined in security best practices from NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.