CVE-2024-23741 in Hyper
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2024
An issue in Hyper on macOS version 3.4.1 and before, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the RunAsNode and enableNodeClilnspectArguments settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23741 represents a critical security flaw within Hyper terminal application on macOS systems. This issue affects versions prior to 3.4.1 and stems from improper handling of specific configuration settings that enable remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the RunAsNode and enableNodeClilnspectArguments parameters, which when manipulated by unauthorized actors can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper validation and sanitization of input parameters within Hyper's runtime environment. When these specific settings are enabled, they create pathways for malicious code injection that bypass standard security mechanisms. The flaw operates at the application level where user-supplied parameters are not adequately filtered or validated before being processed by the underlying node.js runtime. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-94 classifications, where external input is directly incorporated into executable code without proper sanitization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for macOS users who may be running affected versions of Hyper. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw from any location without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where terminal applications are frequently used for system administration tasks. The attack vector leverages the trust relationships inherent in legitimate application functionality, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation.
The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as the malicious code can leverage the elevated privileges associated with the terminal application. Attackers could use this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. Organizations utilizing Hyper for development, DevOps, or administrative tasks face particularly high risk, as these users often possess elevated system privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in secure coding practices where configuration options should never be trusted without proper validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 3.4.1 or later, which addresses the improper parameter handling through enhanced input validation and sanitization. Security administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to affected applications and consider disabling the vulnerable configuration settings until patches are applied. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and implementing application whitelisting policies can provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security testing and validation of application configuration options, particularly those that interface with system-level functionality, aligning with security standards that emphasize the need for robust input validation and secure configuration management practices.