CVE-2022-30882 in PyPI
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2022
pyanxdns package in PyPI version 0.2 is vulnerable to code execution backdoor. The impact is: execute arbitrary code (remote). When installing the pyanxdns package of version 0.2, the request package will be installed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2022
The pyanxdns package version 0.2 distributed through the Python Package Index (PyPI) contains a malicious backdoor that enables remote code execution on affected systems. This vulnerability represents a sophisticated supply chain attack targeting the python ecosystem where attackers inserted malicious code into a legitimate-looking package that users would reasonably install as part of their development workflow. The backdoor is particularly concerning because it leverages the standard package installation process, making detection difficult for end users who trust the PyPI repository. When users install the compromised pyanxdns package, the malicious code executes during the installation process, potentially compromising the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the package's setup.py script or installation hooks that execute malicious payloads when the package is installed. This type of attack aligns with CWE-494, which describes the vulnerability of receiving downloadable code that is not validated or verified, and represents a classic example of a malicious package in a trusted repository. The backdoor functionality allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, meaning that an attacker who gains access to the compromised package can potentially control the affected system, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised machine as a pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks, as the compromised system may contain sensitive information or serve as a gateway to other systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations that use Python-based development environments and rely on PyPI for package management. System administrators and developers who install packages from PyPI without proper verification processes become vulnerable to this attack vector. The attack surface includes any system that has Python installed and that uses pip to manage packages, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple developers may be installing packages from the public repository. The vulnerability also demonstrates the critical importance of package verification and the risks associated with trusting third-party repositories without proper security controls, potentially affecting supply chain integrity and leading to widespread compromise across multiple organizations.
Organizations should immediately audit their Python environments for the presence of the compromised pyanxdns package and implement mitigation strategies that include verifying package signatures, using private package repositories, and implementing automated scanning tools for package integrity checks. The remediation process requires removing the compromised package from all affected systems and updating package management policies to include verification procedures. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential command and control communications that may result from successful exploitation. This vulnerability highlights the necessity of adopting security practices aligned with the ATT&CK framework's software supply chain attack patterns, specifically focusing on T1195.002 for supply chain compromises and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations must also consider implementing package integrity verification mechanisms and establishing secure development practices that include dependency validation and regular security assessments of third-party packages.