CVE-2022-40929 in XXL-JOB
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2022
XXL-JOB 2.2.0 has a Command execution vulnerability in background tasks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2022
The XXL-JOB 2.2.0 command execution vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system through background task processing mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the job execution framework where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being passed to system commands. The flaw exists in the task scheduling and execution components of the XXL-JOB platform, which is widely used for distributed task scheduling in enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper command construction practices within the job execution pipeline, creating a path for malicious command injection attacks that can compromise the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-provided parameters within the background task execution context. When administrators or users create scheduled jobs with dynamic command execution capabilities, the system fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input parameters before constructing system commands. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the XXL-JOB service account. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw under CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads within job parameters or task configurations that when executed trigger unintended system command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, potentially enabling full system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, or establish backdoors through the execution of malicious commands. The affected XXL-JOB 2.2.0 version represents a significant risk to organizations relying on distributed task scheduling, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication. This creates a severe threat landscape where attackers can manipulate scheduled tasks to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system disruption, or complete system takeover depending on the execution context and privileges available to the XXL-JOB service.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the XXL-JOB platform to version 2.3.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and command sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation policies for all user-supplied parameters within job configurations and avoid direct command construction from user input. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious command execution patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all scheduled tasks and job configurations to identify and remediate any potential injection points. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input sanitization in distributed task scheduling systems, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and timely patch management across all enterprise software components.