CVE-2024-3566 in Node.js
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2024
A command inject vulnerability allows an attacker to perform command injection on Windows applications that indirectly depend on the CreateProcess function when the specific conditions are satisfied.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw that specifically targets Windows applications leveraging the CreateProcess function for process execution. The vulnerability arises when applications fail to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input that eventually gets passed to system-level process creation APIs. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious commands that execute within the context of the vulnerable application, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution and system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which specifically addresses command injection flaws where attacker-controlled data is interpreted as command-line arguments or shell commands. The attack vector typically involves manipulating input parameters that are subsequently used in system calls, creating a pathway for malicious command execution through the Windows process creation mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how indirect dependencies on CreateProcess can create security gaps when input validation is insufficient. Applications that rely on external libraries or frameworks which internally use CreateProcess for executing system commands become susceptible when user input flows through these pathways without proper sanitization. The conditions required for exploitation typically involve scenarios where the vulnerable application accepts user input and directly incorporates it into command execution contexts, particularly when the input is not properly escaped or filtered before being passed to process creation functions. This creates a persistent risk where attackers can manipulate command parameters to execute unintended system operations, potentially gaining elevated privileges or accessing sensitive system resources. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003, which covers command and scripting interpreter for Windows command shell execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to potentially enable complete system compromise when attackers leverage the privilege context of the vulnerable application. Depending on the application's execution context, successful exploitation could allow attackers to escalate privileges, access restricted files, establish persistence mechanisms, or perform lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where applications may run with elevated privileges or have access to sensitive data and system resources. Organizations running affected applications face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement attacks. The indirect nature of the dependency on CreateProcess makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to detect and remediate, as it may not be immediately apparent during security assessments or code reviews. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by its potential to be exploited through various input vectors including web forms, API endpoints, or file processing functions that ultimately lead to command execution through the Windows process creation APIs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require comprehensive input validation and sanitization across all application layers that handle user-supplied data. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation, employ proper escaping mechanisms for command-line arguments, and avoid direct concatenation of user input with system commands. The implementation of secure coding practices including input filtering, output encoding, and proper error handling can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should specifically target command injection vulnerabilities in applications that utilize Windows process creation APIs. Additionally, application whitelisting and privilege separation can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for unusual command execution patterns and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of adhering to secure coding standards and conducting thorough security reviews of third-party libraries and frameworks that may indirectly rely on system-level process creation functions. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date security patches and consider implementing application control solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized commands through vulnerable applications.