CVE-2023-51202 in ROS2 Foxy Fitzroy
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2024
OS command injection vulnerability in command processing or system call componentsROS2 (Robot Operating System 2) Foxy Fitzroy, with ROS_VERSION=2 and ROS_PYTHON_VERSION=3 allows attackers to run arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2025
This os command injection vulnerability exists within the command processing or system call components of ros2 foxy Fitzroy version where the environment variables ROS_VERSION=2 and ROS_PYTHON_VERSION=3 are set. The flaw arises when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being passed to system execution functions, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious commands that will be executed with the privileges of the ros2 process. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the ros2 command handling subsystem, which processes various commands through system calls without proper escaping or filtering of special characters that could alter command execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate command execution by injecting shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks into input fields that are subsequently processed by system call functions. When ros2 processes commands through its internal system call interfaces, improperly validated user input gets directly incorporated into shell execution contexts, enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. This type of vulnerability is classified under cwe-78 as improper neutralization of special elements used in os command, which represents one of the most critical categories of injection flaws in cybersecurity. The attack surface is particularly concerning within robotics environments where ros2 systems often operate with elevated privileges and may control critical infrastructure components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution as it provides attackers with full system control capabilities including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within networked robotic systems. In robotics contexts where ros2 operates across multiple interconnected robots or industrial systems, this vulnerability could enable an attacker to compromise entire robot fleets or industrial automation networks. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets processed through ros2 command interfaces, which then executes the injected commands through system call mechanisms. This presents a significant risk for environments where robotics systems handle sensitive operations such as manufacturing processes, autonomous vehicle navigation, or critical infrastructure control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization practices throughout the ros2 command processing pipeline. The recommended approach includes proper escaping of special characters in user inputs before system call execution, implementing strict command whitelisting mechanisms, and utilizing parameterized command execution where possible. Organizations should also consider adopting secure coding practices that align with owasp top ten security risks and follow established guidelines for preventing command injection attacks. Additionally, implementing network segmentation, privilege separation, and monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The mitigation efforts must address both the immediate code-level fixes to prevent input sanitization failures and broader architectural considerations for secure ros2 deployment in industrial environments. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in robotics software development and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly in systems where command execution capabilities are fundamental to core functionality.