CVE-2024-55890 in dtale
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2024
D-Tale is a visualizer for pandas data structures. Prior to version 3.16.1, users hosting D-Tale publicly can be vulnerable to remote code execution allowing attackers to run malicious code on the server. Users should upgrade to version 3.16.1 where the `update-settings` endpoint blocks the ability for users to update the `enable_custom_filters` flag. The only workaround for versions earlier than 3.16.1 is to only host D-Tale to trusted users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2025
CVE-2024-55890 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting D-Tale versions prior to 3.16.1, where the `update-settings` endpoint fails to properly validate user input. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with access to the application to manipulate the `enable_custom_filters` configuration flag, which subsequently enables arbitrary code execution on the underlying server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and privilege escalation mechanisms within the application's settings management system, creating a path for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the hosting environment. The technical implementation allows attackers to leverage the data visualization platform's legitimate administrative functions to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the running process, potentially compromising the entire server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the server hosting D-Tale, potentially enabling data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, and further lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations using D-Tale in public-facing environments face significant risk as the vulnerability does not require specialized privileges beyond legitimate user access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant or shared hosting scenarios where multiple users might have access to the application.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to D-Tale version 3.16.1 where the `update-settings` endpoint has been patched to block modifications to the `enable_custom_filters` flag. This patch implements proper access controls and input validation to prevent unauthorized configuration changes that could lead to code execution. For organizations unable to upgrade immediately, the primary workaround involves restricting D-Tale deployment to trusted users only, effectively limiting the attack surface by ensuring that only verified personnel can access the application's administrative functions. Additional defensive measures include network segmentation, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes in the application logs, as this vulnerability specifically targets the application's settings management interface rather than its core data visualization capabilities.