Remote code execution in BusyBox netstat applet

1) OS Command Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU65004

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 6.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-28391

CWE-ID: CWE-78 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation of DNS PTR records output within the netstat utility if executed on VT compatible terminal. A remote attacker can trick the victim to run the netstat command after initiating a connection to the system and execute arbitrary OS commands on the target system with privileges of the user running the netstat command.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any official solution to address this vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

BusyBox: 0.38 - 1.35.0

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:busybox_net:busybox:0.38:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:busybox_net:busybox:0.39:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:busybox_net:busybox:0.40:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://git.alpinelinux.org/aports/plain/main/busybox/0002-nslookup-sanitize-all-printed-strings-with-printable.patch
https://gitlab.alpinelinux.org/alpine/aports/-/issues/13661
https://git.alpinelinux.org/aports/plain/main/busybox/0001-libbb-sockaddr2str-ensure-only-printable-characters-.patch

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.