#VU86885 OS Command Injection in less - CVE-2022-48624

Vulnerability identifier: #VU86885

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-48624

CWE-ID: CWE-78

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
less
Client/Desktop applications / Software for system administration

Vendor: GNU

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation within the close_altfile() function in filename.c. A remote attacker can trick the victim into using a specially crafted argument for the less command and execute arbitrary OS commands on the target system.

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

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

less: 243 - 605

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External links
https://github.com/gwsw/less/commit/c6ac6de49698be84d264a0c4c0c40bb870b10144
https://greenwoodsoftware.com/less/
https://github.com/gwsw/less/compare/v605...v606

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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.