CVE-2024-48964 in Gradle Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/23/2024
The package Snyk CLI before 1.1294.0 is vulnerable to Code Injection when scanning an untrusted Gradle project. The vulnerability can be triggered if Snyk test is run inside the untrusted project due to the improper handling of the current working directory name. Snyk recommends only scanning trusted projects.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48964 affects the Snyk CLI tool version prior to 1.1294.0, presenting a code injection risk during Gradle project scanning operations. This security flaw manifests when the snyk test command is executed within an untrusted Gradle project environment, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the current working directory name during the scanning process, which creates a path traversal condition that can be exploited by attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Snyk CLI's insufficient validation of directory names when processing Gradle projects, allowing attackers to manipulate the working directory path to inject malicious code. This flaw operates under CWE-74, which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in a code context, specifically targeting the command injection vulnerability pattern. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate functionality of the Snyk testing process to execute unauthorized code execution, making it difficult to detect through traditional security measures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations that may inadvertently scan untrusted or malicious Gradle projects. Attackers could craft specially designed Gradle projects that, when processed by the vulnerable Snyk CLI, would execute arbitrary commands on the system where the scan is performed. This code injection could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and script injection, with potential progression to T1566 for malicious code injection techniques.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Snyk CLI version 1.1294.0 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the update includes proper directory name validation and working directory handling mechanisms. Security teams must implement strict project validation policies, ensuring that only trusted projects are scanned with Snyk CLI tools. Additional mitigations include running Snyk scans in isolated environments, implementing network segmentation, and establishing comprehensive project vetting procedures before execution. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in security tools themselves, as the Snyk CLI's own functionality becomes a potential attack surface when handling untrusted inputs from project directories.