CVE-2024-37014 in Langflow
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2024
Langflow through 0.6.19 allows remote code execution if untrusted users are able to reach the "POST /api/v1/custom_component" endpoint and provide a Python script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37014 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Langflow versions 0.6.19 and earlier. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's API endpoint handling. The specific vulnerable endpoint /api/v1/custom_component accepts POST requests and processes Python scripts submitted by users, creating an environment where malicious actors can execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system, as it allows attackers to gain full control over the application server.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs through the improper handling of user-supplied Python code within the custom component creation process. When untrusted users submit Python scripts to the designated endpoint, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before executing it within the application context. This design flaw creates a path for attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed with the privileges of the Langflow application process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate functionality of the application to execute unauthorized operations, making detection more challenging. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to "Execution of Untrusted Code or Data."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can perform actions such as data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistent access establishment. The attack surface is significantly broadened when considering that the vulnerability affects the API endpoint that is designed to allow legitimate custom component creation, meaning that even authorized users might inadvertently expose the system to attack if proper access controls are not enforced. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python," and T1078.004, covering "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts," since the attack can be executed using legitimate system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-37014 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Langflow versions to the latest releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable API endpoint. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help restrict access to the /api/v1/custom_component endpoint to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, implementing input validation, output encoding, and secure coding practices throughout the application lifecycle can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential code injection vulnerabilities in custom components and API endpoints. The implementation of a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically targeting suspicious Python code patterns can provide an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts.