CVE-2023-48699 in fastbots
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2023
fastbots is a library for fast bot and scraper development using selenium and the Page Object Model (POM) design. Prior to version 0.1.5, an attacker could modify the locators.ini locator file with python code that without proper validation it's executed and it could lead to rce. The vulnerability is in the function `def __locator__(self, locator_name: str)` in `page.py`. In order to mitigate this issue, upgrade to fastbots version 0.1.5 or above.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2023
The CVE-2023-48699 vulnerability affects the fastbots library, a tool designed for rapid bot and scraper development utilizing selenium and the Page Object Model architectural pattern. This security flaw exists in versions prior to 015 and represents a critical code execution vulnerability that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the library's core functionality, specifically in how locator files are processed and interpreted by the application. The flaw is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary python code through manipulation of the locators.ini configuration file, which is a fundamental component of the library's operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the `_locator_` function located in the page.py file of the fastbots library. This function is responsible for processing locator names and retrieving corresponding element locators for web scraping operations. When an attacker modifies the locators.ini file to include python code within the locator definitions, the library fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before processing. The lack of proper input validation creates a path for code injection attacks where malicious python code embedded in the locator file gets executed within the context of the application running the fastbots library. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that operates at the configuration file level rather than through traditional input vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when the fastbots library is used in production environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on systems where the library is deployed, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, escalating privileges, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects any application or system that utilizes the fastbots library for web automation and scraping tasks, particularly in environments where the library might be running with elevated privileges. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability can be exploited through configuration file manipulation, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based security monitoring approaches.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a direct violation of secure coding principles for input validation and sanitization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.006 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and potentially T1021.001 for "Remote Services: Remote Desktop Protocol" if the compromised system is used for further lateral movement. Organizations using fastbots in production environments should immediately assess their exposure and implement the recommended mitigation strategy of upgrading to version 0.1.5 or higher, which includes proper input validation mechanisms to prevent the execution of malicious code within locator files. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all external inputs, including configuration files, and implementing proper security controls to prevent code injection attacks at all layers of application development.