CVE-2024-4264 in litellm
Summary
by MITRE • 05/18/2024
A remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability exists in the berriai/litellm project due to improper control of the generation of code when using the `eval` function unsafely in the `litellm.get_secret()` method. Specifically, when the server utilizes Google KMS, untrusted data is passed to the `eval` function without any sanitization. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious values into environment variables through the `/config/update` endpoint, which allows for the update of settings in `proxy_server_config.yaml`.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the berriai/litellm project that stems from unsafe use of the eval function within the litellm.get_secret() method. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system utilizes Google KMS for secret management, creating a dangerous attack surface where untrusted input flows directly into the eval execution context. The flaw constitutes a direct violation of secure coding principles and falls under the CWE-95 category of improper control of generation of code, where dynamic code execution occurs without adequate input validation or sanitization. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the /config/update endpoint which provides functionality to modify proxy_server_config.yaml settings, effectively allowing attackers to manipulate system configuration through environment variable injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental insecurity of using eval() with user-controllable input. When the system processes secret values from Google KMS, the raw data is passed directly to eval() without any sanitization or validation, creating an immediate code execution opportunity for malicious actors. This pattern represents a classic injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data becomes executable code, enabling arbitrary command execution on the target system. The operational impact is severe as the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack chain begins with environment variable manipulation through the /config/update endpoint, which then feeds into the unsafe eval() execution path, creating a complete remote code execution exploit.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on the litellm proxy server. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate sandboxing of dynamic code execution, violating fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability provides a direct path to system control without requiring authentication for the core functionality, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or when the proxy server is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code through command injection, and T1566 for initial access through malicious configuration updates.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate code execution risk and the underlying architectural issues. The most critical remediation involves replacing unsafe eval() usage with proper parsing or deserialization methods that do not execute arbitrary code. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all environment variables and configuration updates, particularly those related to secret management. The system should enforce principle of least privilege for configuration update operations and implement proper access controls around the /config/update endpoint. Additionally, the implementation should include proper error handling and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Security hardening measures should also include network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious configuration updates, and regular security assessments to identify similar unsafe coding patterns. The fix should align with industry standards for secure coding practices and incorporate defense-in-depth strategies to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the system architecture.