CVE-2025-22867 in Google
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2025
On Darwin, building a Go module which contains CGO can trigger arbitrary code execution when using the Apple version of ld, due to usage of the @executable_path, @loader_path, or @rpath special values in a "#cgo LDFLAGS" directive. This issue only affected go1.24rc2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
This vulnerability exists in the go1.24rc2 release and specifically affects Darwin systems where Go modules utilizing CGO can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. The flaw stems from how the Apple version of the linker ld processes special path values when building Go modules with CGO enabled. The vulnerability is triggered through the use of executable_path, loader_path, or @rpath directives within the #cgo LDFLAGS configuration, which are standard mechanisms for specifying dynamic library search paths on macOS. These special values are designed to resolve library locations relative to the executing program's location or loader, but when improperly handled in Go's CGO context, they create exploitable conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate linker functionality to create execution paths that bypass normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the interaction between Go's CGO compilation process and the Apple linker's interpretation of dynamic path resolution. When Go compiles modules with CGO enabled, it passes linker flags through the #cgo LDFLAGS directive to the underlying linker. The Apple ld tool processes these special path values in a way that can be manipulated to redirect library loading to attacker-controlled locations. This occurs because the linker's handling of executable_path, loader_path, and @rpath values in the context of Go's module compilation creates opportunities for path injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when these path values are used in a manner that allows an attacker to influence where dynamic libraries are loaded from, potentially enabling code execution through malicious library substitution. This behavior aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique TA0004 - Privilege Escalation and TA0002 - Execution within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly when combined with other exploitation vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running Go version 1.24rc2 on Darwin platforms, as it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring elevated privileges. The attack surface is primarily limited to developers and systems that compile Go modules with CGO enabled, but the implications are severe because the vulnerability can be exploited during the build process itself. Attackers could potentially compromise development environments, build servers, or continuous integration pipelines where Go modules are compiled with CGO. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the attacker to have access to the build environment and the ability to influence the CGO linker flags, but once exploited, it could lead to complete system compromise. This aligns with CWE-426 - Untrusted Search Path, which describes the dangerous practice of allowing untrusted input to influence program execution paths. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the Go toolchain's interaction with platform-specific linkers, particularly affecting environments where code compilation occurs on the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to patched versions of Go, as the issue was specific to the go1.24rc2 release and has been addressed in subsequent versions. System administrators and developers should ensure all build environments are updated to Go versions that have resolved this issue, typically those after the go1.24 release. Additionally, organizations should implement strict controls over build environments to prevent unauthorized modification of CGO linker flags, particularly in automated build systems. The recommended approach includes validating all CGO directives, implementing secure coding practices for build configurations, and monitoring for any attempts to manipulate linker flags during compilation. Organizations should also consider restricting the use of CGO in environments where security is paramount, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. The fix typically involves modifications to how Go's CGO toolchain processes linker flags to prevent the exploitation of path resolution mechanisms, effectively closing the gap that allowed attackers to manipulate library loading paths through the special executable_path, loader_path, and @rpath values.