CVE-2022-29599 in WebLogic Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2022
In Apache Maven maven-shared-utils prior to version 3.3.3, the Commandline class can emit double-quoted strings without proper escaping, allowing shell injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29599 affects Apache Maven maven-shared-utils library versions prior to 3.3.3, specifically within the Commandline class implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate handling of command-line argument parsing and shell command construction. The vulnerability exists in the way the library processes and formats command-line arguments that contain double-quoted strings, creating opportunities for malicious input to be interpreted by the underlying shell rather than treated as literal values. The affected component operates as part of Maven's build automation framework, which is widely used across enterprise environments for project management and build processes, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given Maven's pervasive adoption in software development workflows.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the Commandline class's inability to properly escape special shell characters when constructing command-line arguments that contain double-quoted strings. When user-provided input or configuration data contains double quotes, the library fails to apply appropriate shell escaping mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious shell commands through carefully crafted input. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands, and specifically relates to the broader category of shell injection attacks. The flaw operates by bypassing normal input validation and sanitization mechanisms, enabling attackers to manipulate the command execution flow through command-line argument construction. When the vulnerable library processes command-line arguments containing unescaped double quotes, the shell interprets the embedded special characters as command separators or operators rather than literal string content.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-29599 extends beyond simple command injection, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected Maven versions. This vulnerability can be exploited in continuous integration pipelines, automated build environments, and development workstations where Maven is used to execute external commands. Attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to build servers, extract sensitive information from repositories, modify build processes, or even escalate privileges within the execution environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where Maven is used for automated deployment processes, as it could allow attackers to compromise entire software supply chains. The attack surface includes any system that uses Maven maven-shared-utils for command-line argument processing, particularly affecting build automation systems, CI/CD pipelines, and development environments where external command execution is required.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache Maven maven-shared-utils version 3.3.3 or later to remediate this vulnerability. The fix implemented in version 3.3.3 addresses the shell escaping mechanism within the Commandline class, ensuring that double-quoted strings are properly escaped before command execution. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their Maven-based environments, particularly focusing on CI/CD systems and build servers where the affected library is in use. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation for command-line arguments, monitoring for unusual command execution patterns, and employing runtime protection mechanisms such as application firewalls or sandboxing techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in systems that interface with operating system commands, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. Organizations should also consider implementing dependency scanning tools to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their software supply chains, as this vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices in library development and maintenance.