CVE-2025-24049 in Azure CLI
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2025
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Azure Command Line Integration (CLI) allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2026
Command injection vulnerabilities represent one of the most critical security flaws in software systems, particularly when they occur within command line interfaces that handle privileged operations. CVE-2025-24049 specifically targets the Azure Command Line Integration component where improper neutralization of special command elements creates an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter special characters used in command execution contexts. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands through input parameters that are then processed by the underlying shell or command interpreter, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Azure CLI component accepts user input without proper sanitization and subsequently passes this untrusted data directly to system commands or shell invocations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting input strings containing special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, or command substitution operators that alter the intended execution flow. When these malicious inputs are processed, they can trigger unintended command sequences that execute with the privileges of the CLI process, which often runs with elevated permissions due to the nature of Azure administrative operations. This misconfiguration creates a direct path for privilege escalation attacks where local attackers can leverage the compromised CLI functionality to gain system-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system modification, privilege escalation, and persistence establishment. The local privilege escalation aspect means that even if an attacker initially has limited user privileges, they can leverage this vulnerability to execute commands with administrative rights, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Azure CLI tools are frequently used for administrative tasks, as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to cloud resources and infrastructure. The implications for security posture are severe, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive cloud resources, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-24049 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices within the Azure CLI ecosystem. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent special command characters from being processed as executable code. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that CLI tools operate with minimal necessary permissions rather than elevated privileges. Additionally, comprehensive monitoring and logging of CLI operations can help detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability directly enables privilege escalation. The remediation approach aligns with security frameworks such as CWE-77 and CWE-88, which specifically address command injection vulnerabilities and improper neutralization of special elements. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and command execution, specifically covering tactics such as privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities and execution through command and script interpreters. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and mandatory access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments.