CVE-2022-24433 in simple-git
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2022
The package simple-git before 3.3.0 are vulnerable to Command Injection via argument injection. When calling the .fetch(remote, branch, handlerFn) function, both the remote and branch parameters are passed to the git fetch subcommand. By injecting some git options it was possible to get arbitrary command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24433 affects the simple-git npm package version 3.3.0 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that stems from inadequate input validation within the package's argument handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the fetch function is invoked with remote and branch parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject git command options that can escalate to arbitrary code execution on the system where the vulnerable package is installed. The flaw resides in the package's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied inputs before incorporating them into git command executions, effectively allowing attackers to manipulate the underlying git subcommands through carefully crafted parameter values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of argument injection attacks where the attacker can manipulate the git fetch command by injecting additional git options that are interpreted by the git client as legitimate command parameters. When the simple-git package processes the fetch operation, it directly incorporates the remote and branch parameters into the git fetch subcommand without sufficient sanitization, enabling an attacker to append malicious git options such as --upload-pack or other command-line switches that can trigger unintended behavior. This represents a classic case of command injection as defined by CWE-77, where user-controllable data is improperly integrated into system commands, and aligns with the broader category of CWE-94 which encompasses improper control of generation of code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms within the affected environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through legitimate package usage patterns, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to repositories, potentially compromising source code integrity and exposing sensitive information contained within version-controlled systems. The vulnerability affects any environment where the vulnerable simple-git package is used, including development environments, continuous integration pipelines, and automated deployment systems that rely on git operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24433 should prioritize immediate package version updates to 3.3.0 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the argument injection vulnerability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems and applications utilizing the vulnerable package, implementing automated scanning tools to detect the presence of affected versions. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime protections such as input validation layers and command execution monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated package versions to ensure compatibility with existing applications while maintaining security posture. Organizations may also benefit from implementing software composition analysis tools to monitor for vulnerable dependencies in their software supply chains, preventing similar issues from arising in future deployments. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date dependencies and implementing robust input validation practices as recommended by security frameworks such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's command and control tactics, where command injection represents a common technique for establishing persistent access to compromised systems.