CVE-2024-39205 in pyload-ng
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
An issue in pyload-ng v0.5.0b3.dev85 running under python3.11 or below allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39205 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the pyload-ng web interface version 0.5.0b3.dev85. This security weakness manifests when the application processes specially crafted HTTP requests, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically impacts installations running under python3.11 or earlier versions, making it particularly concerning for environments where older python runtime environments persist. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within its HTTP request handling pipeline, creating an attack surface where untrusted data can be directly interpreted as executable commands. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and falls under the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that have been consistently flagged as high-risk in cybersecurity frameworks. The attack vector leverages the application's web interface to deliver malicious payloads through HTTP requests that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the pyload-ng application's request processing logic. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing specially formatted data, the application fails to properly validate or escape this input before processing it within the python runtime environment. This allows the attacker to inject code that gets executed within the context of the pyload-ng process, potentially with elevated privileges depending on how the application is configured and deployed. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, requiring no special privileges or access to the underlying system beyond network connectivity to the affected service. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that pyload-ng is often deployed in environments where it may have access to sensitive data or network resources, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to compromised systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell", and represents a similar class of attack where legitimate system tools are abused to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-39205 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of systems running vulnerable versions of pyload-ng. Organizations that have not updated to patched versions remain at significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized knowledge or tools, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors from script kiddies to sophisticated attackers. Once exploited, the attacker gains the ability to install additional malware, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not just individual installations but entire networks where pyload-ng systems may be interconnected or share common resources. System administrators face the challenge of identifying all affected installations and applying patches without disrupting legitimate operations. The vulnerability also impacts organizations that may be subject to regulatory compliance requirements, as exploitation could lead to data breaches that violate standards such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss. Organizations should consider the potential for this vulnerability to be used as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, including privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. The attack surface is particularly broad given that pyload-ng is often deployed in home and enterprise environments where security monitoring may be limited, increasing the risk of undetected exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping third-party applications updated and maintaining robust security monitoring to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.