CVE-2024-38448 in Global
Summary
by MITRE • 06/16/2024
htags in GNU Global through 6.6.12 allows code execution in situations where dbpath (aka -d) is untrusted, because shell metacharacters may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-38448 affects GNU Global version 6.6.12 and earlier, specifically within the htags component which generates HTML documentation from source code. This issue represents a critical command injection flaw that arises when the dbpath parameter is processed without proper sanitization. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-supplied input in the -d command-line option, which allows attackers to inject malicious shell commands through specially crafted path values containing shell metacharacters.
The technical flaw manifests when GNU Global processes the dbpath argument through the htags utility, where untrusted input is directly incorporated into shell command execution contexts without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows into shell interpreters, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the htags command. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate command-line interface interactions, making it difficult to distinguish between valid and malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when the affected software runs with elevated privileges. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable versions of GNU Global, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, or further network exploitation. The vulnerability affects development environments where GNU Global is used for documentation generation, particularly in automated build and continuous integration systems where untrusted input might be processed. This makes the attack surface broader in environments where source code repositories or documentation paths are not properly validated.
Mitigation strategies should focus on input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in shell command construction. Organizations should immediately upgrade to GNU Global version 6.6.13 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls limiting who can execute htags commands and ensure that the tool runs with minimal required privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Defense in depth measures including network segmentation, monitoring for unusual command execution patterns, and regular security assessments of development toolchains should be implemented to reduce the risk of exploitation in environments where this vulnerability may be present.