CVE-2024-3271 in llama_index
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2024
A command injection vulnerability exists in the run-llama/llama_index repository, specifically within the safe_eval function. Attackers can bypass the intended security mechanism, which checks for the presence of underscores in code generated by LLM, to execute arbitrary code. This is achieved by crafting input that does not contain an underscore but still results in the execution of OS commands. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution (RCE) on the server hosting the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2025
The command injection vulnerability identified in CVE-2024-3271 represents a critical security flaw within the run-llama/llama_index repository that undermines fundamental security controls designed to prevent unauthorized code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the safe_eval function, which was implemented with the intention of mitigating code injection risks by filtering out potentially dangerous patterns including underscores that are commonly associated with malicious code patterns. The flaw demonstrates a classic bypass technique where attackers exploit the limited scope of the security checks to craft inputs that circumvent the intended protections while still achieving their malicious objectives. The vulnerability exists in the context of large language model applications where generated code is executed within the application environment, creating a direct pathway for attackers to compromise the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the flawed assumption that simply checking for underscores in generated code would provide adequate protection against command injection attacks. Attackers can construct malicious inputs that avoid triggering the underscore detection mechanism while still producing executable commands that result in operating system command execution. This bypass occurs because the security mechanism fails to account for alternative patterns that could lead to command execution, such as using environment variables, command substitution, or other shell metacharacters that do not contain underscores. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of input validation and code execution contexts, where the application processes user-provided data through a function that should act as a security gate but instead becomes a weakness that allows arbitrary code to be executed within the application's execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform remote code execution on the server hosting the vulnerable application. This level of access enables adversaries to potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive data, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the application runs with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive resources, as the compromise of a single vulnerable endpoint can lead to significant data breaches or system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it a particularly attractive target for automated attack campaigns. This vulnerability directly maps to attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where command injection vulnerabilities can lead to complete system compromise through the execution of arbitrary operating system commands.
The security implications of CVE-2024-3271 align with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature. The flaw exemplifies how security controls can be bypassed through creative exploitation techniques that exploit the limitations of simple pattern matching approaches. Organizations using the affected llama_index repository should immediately implement mitigations including comprehensive input validation, sandboxing of code execution environments, and strict privilege separation between application components and operating system resources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that go beyond simple string matching to include more robust code analysis and execution controls. Security teams should consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection to identify potentially malicious code execution patterns that may not be caught by static analysis approaches, aligning with recommended practices from the attack surface analysis framework that emphasizes the need for multiple layers of protection against code injection vulnerabilities.