CVE-2023-2091 in youker-assistant
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2023
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in KylinSoft youker-assistant. Affected by this vulnerability is the function adjust_cpufreq_scaling_governer. The manipulation leads to os command injection. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 3.1.4.13 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-226099.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2091 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within KylinSoft's youker-assistant software component. This security weakness specifically affects the adjust_cpufreq_scaling_governor function, which is responsible for managing CPU frequency scaling governors in Linux-based systems. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited locally on the host system, eliminating the need for network-based attack vectors. This local exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage system shells to execute malicious commands. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used in the wild, making immediate remediation essential for affected systems. The affected software component operates with elevated privileges, which amplifies the impact of this command injection vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the adjust_cpufreq_scaling_governor function. When the system processes user-supplied parameters or configuration values related to CPU frequency scaling, it fails to properly sanitize or escape these inputs before incorporating them into system commands. This insecure programming practice creates an environment where malicious input can be interpreted as command syntax rather than data, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability manifests as a classic command injection flaw that operates at the operating system level, allowing attackers to execute any command available to the compromised process. This behavior directly corresponds to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making the vulnerability susceptible to exploitation through techniques such as shell metacharacter injection. The command injection occurs during the processing of system configuration parameters, where the software constructs system calls without adequate input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain full control over the affected system's CPU management capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate CPU frequency scaling governors to either degrade system performance through constant frequency changes or to execute malicious code with root privileges. This capability allows for persistent system compromise, enabling attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malware. The local attack vector means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, including both legitimate users and unauthorized individuals who have gained access to local accounts. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that CPU frequency scaling governors are fundamental system components that directly affect system performance and power management, providing attackers with significant control over system behavior. This aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0004 (Privilege Escalation) and TA0003 (Persistence) through the exploitation of system-level components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2091 require immediate action to upgrade the affected youker-assistant component to version 3.1.4.13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running the affected software and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. System administrators should implement additional security controls such as input validation mechanisms, privilege separation, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The patch provided by KylinSoft addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and command parameter handling within the adjust_cpufreq_scaling_governor function. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local system access, reducing the attack surface for local exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components, particularly those handling user inputs or executing system commands. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability, as the public disclosure and active use of this exploit increases the likelihood of successful attacks against unpatched systems.