CVE-2022-25973 in mc-kill-port
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2022
All versions of package mc-kill-port are vulnerable to Arbitrary Command Execution via the kill function, due to missing sanitization of the port argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25973 affects the mc-kill-port package, which is designed to terminate processes running on specific network ports. This package operates by accepting a port number as an argument and executing system commands to identify and terminate processes associated with that port. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the kill function implementation, creating a critical security gap that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands through the port argument. The vulnerability represents a classic command injection flaw that can be exploited by attackers who control the input to the kill function, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which classify it as a command injection vulnerability and improper neutralization of special elements used in code. When the kill function processes a port argument without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates user-provided input into system command execution contexts. This creates an environment where an attacker can append malicious commands to the port specification, effectively bypassing intended security boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where command execution can potentially escalate privileges and access sensitive system resources. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the mc-kill-port application, which may include elevated system permissions depending on how the tool is deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25973 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass potential full system compromise and data exposure. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to network services, manipulate system processes, or even establish persistent backdoors through the executed commands. The vulnerability affects all versions of the mc-kill-port package, indicating a widespread exposure across different deployments. This makes it particularly concerning for environments where the package is used in automated systems or integrated into security tooling, as the attack surface expands significantly. The exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it accessible to threat actors across different skill levels and increasing the potential for widespread compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25973 should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization measures. The primary fix involves implementing strict parameter validation to ensure that port arguments contain only numeric values within expected ranges, rejecting any input containing special characters or command delimiters. Security practitioners should also consider implementing proper command escaping mechanisms and using safe system call interfaces that prevent argument injection. Additionally, the package should be updated to version 1.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization patches. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using the mc-kill-port package and ensure proper access controls are in place. The remediation approach should also include monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and implementing principle of least privilege for any user accounts that execute the kill function, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage.