CVE-2024-36053 in mintupload
Summary
by MITRE • 05/19/2024
In the mintupload package through 4.2.0 for Linux Mint, service-name mishandling leads to command injection via shell metacharacters in check_connection, drop_data_received_cb, and Service.remove. A user can modify a service name in a ~/.linuxmint/mintUpload/services/service file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36053 affects the mintupload package version 4.2.0 and earlier in Linux Mint distributions, representing a critical command injection flaw that stems from improper handling of service names within the application's configuration files. This vulnerability specifically targets the check_connection, drop_data_received_cb, and Service.remove functions where shell metacharacters can be exploited to execute arbitrary commands. The flaw occurs when a user modifies the service name in the configuration file located at ~/.linuxmint/mintUpload/services/service, which then gets processed without proper sanitization or validation, creating a pathway for malicious input to be interpreted as shell commands rather than simple string data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands. The application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied service names before incorporating them into shell commands, allowing attackers to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks that trigger unintended command execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in desktop environments where users may have elevated privileges or where the application runs with sufficient permissions to affect system operations. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that multiple functions within the service management component are affected, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-36053 extends beyond simple command execution, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive system information, or compromise the integrity of the Linux Mint desktop environment. Given that this vulnerability affects a package used for uploading files to various cloud services, an attacker could potentially manipulate the upload process to execute malicious commands on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit, as the configuration file modification can occur through legitimate user actions or through social engineering tactics that convince users to modify service parameters. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004, which covers the use of shell commands for execution, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through service configuration manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the mintupload package to version 4.2.1 or later, where proper input validation and sanitization have been implemented. System administrators should also implement configuration management practices to monitor and restrict modifications to the ~/.linuxmint/mintUpload/services/service files, particularly in multi-user environments where privilege escalation risks are higher. Additionally, the application should be configured to run with minimal necessary privileges, and users should be educated about the risks of modifying configuration files directly. The fix should implement proper shell escaping mechanisms and input validation routines that prevent special characters from being interpreted as shell metacharacters. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized commands and monitor for suspicious command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in desktop applications and highlights the need for security considerations in package management and configuration file handling within Linux desktop environments.