CVE-2024-5820 in devika
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2024
An unprotected WebSocket connection in the latest version of stitionai/devika (commit ecee79f) allows a malicious website to connect to the backend and issue commands on behalf of the user. The backend serves all listeners on the given socket, enabling any such malicious website to intercept all communication between the user and the backend. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized command execution and potential server-side request forgery.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5820 affects the stitionai/devika application, specifically manifesting in an unprotected WebSocket connection that exposes the backend to malicious exploitation. This weakness arises from insufficient security controls around the WebSocket protocol implementation, creating a critical attack surface that allows unauthorized parties to establish connections with the backend system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists in the latest version of the application, indicating that even recently updated software can contain fundamental security flaws that compromise user safety and system integrity.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of proper authentication and authorization mechanisms within the WebSocket communication channel. When the backend serves all listeners on the given socket without verifying the origin or credentials of connecting parties, it creates an open door for malicious actors to intercept and manipulate communications between legitimate users and the application backend. This design flaw allows any malicious website to establish a WebSocket connection to the backend and issue commands as if they were authenticated users, fundamentally undermining the security model of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass full command execution capabilities and potential server-side request forgery attacks. An attacker who successfully establishes a malicious WebSocket connection can execute arbitrary commands on the backend system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ability to intercept all communication between users and the backend means that sensitive data can be captured, manipulated, or redirected, while the command execution capability allows for persistent access and further exploitation of the compromised system. This vulnerability directly violates security principles of least privilege and secure communication channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5820 should focus on implementing robust WebSocket security measures including proper authentication mechanisms, origin validation, and secure connection establishment protocols. The application should enforce strict authentication before allowing WebSocket connections to proceed, implement proper session management, and validate the origin of all WebSocket connections to prevent cross-site WebSocket hijacking attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level controls such as firewalls and access control lists to restrict WebSocket traffic to authorized endpoints only. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases, particularly targeting the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for phishing attacks that could establish the malicious WebSocket connection.