CVE-2022-4643 in docconv
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2022
A vulnerability was found in docconv up to 1.2.0. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects the function ConvertPDFImages of the file pdf_ocr.go. The manipulation of the argument path leads to os command injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. Upgrading to version 1.2.1 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is b19021ade3d0b71c89d35cb00eb9e589a121faa5. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. VDB-216502 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4643 represents a critical command injection flaw within the docconv library version 1.2.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the ConvertPDFImages function located within the pdf_ocr.go file, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the path argument and execute arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its remote exploitability, meaning that malicious actors can initiate attacks without requiring physical access to the target system. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to inject OS commands through the path parameter, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided input within the path argument processing. When the ConvertPDFImages function handles PDF file conversion with OCR capabilities, it fails to properly validate or escape the path parameter before incorporating it into system commands. This creates an environment where an attacker can append malicious commands to the path value, which then gets executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and command execution, aligning with CWE-78, which specifically addresses OS command injection vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing docconv for document processing and conversion services. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of the library, potentially gaining full system control, accessing sensitive data, or establishing persistent backdoors. The remote attack vector increases the attack surface significantly, as systems processing PDF documents through this library become potential entry points for attackers. Organizations using this library in web applications, document management systems, or automated processing pipelines face particular risk due to the exposure of input parameters through network interfaces.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 1.2.1 of the docconv library, which includes the patch identified by commit hash b19021ade3d0b71c89d35cb00eb9e589a121faa5. This upgrade addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and sanitization of the path parameter before command execution. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as input validation at multiple layers, network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of OS commands through vulnerable applications. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their document processing pipelines.