CVE-2024-41226 in Automation 360
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2024
A CSV injection vulnerability in Automation Anywhere Automation 360 version 21094 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The CSV injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41226 resides within Automation Anywhere Automation 360 version 21094 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted CSV payloads. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of comma-separated value files during data import operations, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious code that can be executed when the CSV data is processed or rendered within the automation platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter special characters commonly used in command injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to craft CSV files containing malicious formulas or commands that get interpreted by the underlying spreadsheet processing engine when the data is imported into the Automation 360 environment. When the application processes these specially crafted files, the embedded malicious code can execute with the privileges of the user account running the automation platform, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which describes the weakness of insufficient input validation in applications that process structured data formats. The attack vector specifically leverages the trust placed in data import operations and exploits the lack of proper sanitization when handling CSV content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system infiltration, and disruption of business processes managed by the automation platform. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistence within the organization's automation infrastructure, access sensitive business processes, or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the automation environment. The implications are particularly severe for organizations that rely heavily on automation 360 for critical business operations, as the compromised system could serve as a launching point for broader network infiltration. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as the execution typically occurs through legitimate user accounts with appropriate privileges.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including restricting CSV import capabilities where possible, implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all imported data, and applying the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available. Network segmentation and monitoring of CSV import activities can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of Automation 360 within their environment and ensure that proper access controls are in place to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security awareness training for users who handle data imports can help reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability through crafted malicious files. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the code execution pathway that this vulnerability provides.