CVE-2022-46387 in ConEmu
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2023
ConEmu through 220807 and Cmder before 1.3.21 report the title of the terminal, including control characters, which allows an attacker to change the title and then execute it as commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2023
CVE-2022-46387 represents a critical command injection vulnerability affecting ConEmu terminal emulator versions up to 220807 and Cmder versions prior to 1.3.21. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of terminal title strings that contain control characters, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted and executed as commands. The flaw exists in the way these terminal applications process and display window titles, particularly when control characters are embedded within the title text. When a malicious user or application sets a terminal title containing specific control sequences, the vulnerable software fails to properly sanitize or escape these characters, allowing them to be interpreted as executable commands rather than mere display text.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and additionally relates to CWE-20, representing input validation issues. This vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the terminal title functionality as a command injection vector, where control characters such as semicolons, pipes, or other shell metacharacters embedded within the title string can trigger unintended command execution. The attack typically involves crafting a malicious title string that contains control sequences which the terminal software then processes as if they were user input. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where an attacker can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the terminal application process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command injection, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and persistent access within compromised environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads, establish backdoors, or perform reconnaissance activities through the compromised terminal application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where terminal emulators are commonly used, as it allows unprivileged users to potentially escalate their privileges or execute commands that should be restricted. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious scripts, compromised applications, or social engineering tactics that trick users into executing malicious title-setting operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-46387 involve immediate patching of affected software versions to the latest releases that contain proper input sanitization and control character handling. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures for all terminal title strings, ensuring that control characters are properly escaped or filtered before processing. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual terminal title changes that might indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices around input handling, particularly for applications that process user-controlled data in display contexts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential injection vectors within terminal and command-line applications. Implementation of the principle of least privilege and regular security updates form essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this type of vulnerability.