CVE-2023-43364 in searchor
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2023
main.py in Searchor before 2.4.2 uses eval on CLI input, which may cause unexpected code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43364 resides within the main.py script of the Searchor library prior to version 2.4.2, presenting a critical security risk through improper input handling. This flaw manifests when the application processes command line interface input through the eval function, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution that adversaries can exploit to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the library's reliance on eval() for processing user-provided command line arguments. The eval function in python executes arbitrary code contained within strings, making it inherently dangerous when fed untrusted input from command line parameters. This pattern directly violates secure coding principles and represents a classic example of unsafe code execution practices that fall under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper use of dynamic code evaluation mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to inject malicious code through CLI inputs that gets executed in the context of the running application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a direct path to system compromise through command line interface interactions. When users provide command line arguments to Searchor, any input containing malicious code gets processed through eval(), enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing adversary control through command and script interpreters, as well as T1203 for legitimate user access through command line interfaces. The vulnerability affects any environment where Searchor is used with user-provided command line arguments, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user systems or environments where untrusted input is accepted.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-43364 focus primarily on updating to Searchor version 2.4.2 or later, which addresses the eval() usage issue through proper input sanitization and validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems utilizing Searchor are updated promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing input validation mechanisms that reject potentially dangerous command line arguments and employ principle of least privilege access controls to limit the damage potential from successful exploitation. The fix should eliminate the use of eval() for CLI input processing and replace it with safe alternatives such as ast.literal_eval() for simple data structures or proper parameter parsing techniques that do not execute arbitrary code. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual command line patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on command line interfaces that accept user input for processing.