#VU98008 Embedded malicious code (backdoor) in pdoc - CVE-2024-38526

Vulnerability identifier: #VU98008

Vulnerability risk: High

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

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-38526

CWE-ID: CWE-506

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
pdoc
Web applications / Other software

Vendor: mitmproxy.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to the application.

The vulnerability exists due to documentation generated with `pdoc --math` is linked to JavaScript files from polyfill.io. The polyfill.io CDN has been sold and now serves malicious code.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

pdoc: 0.1.0 - 14.5.0

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External links
https://github.com/mitmproxy/pdoc/security/advisories/GHSA-5vgj-ggm4-fg62
https://github.com/mitmproxy/pdoc/pull/703
https://sansec.io/research/polyfill-supply-chain-attack
https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/polyfillio-in-pdoc-cve-2024-38526

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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.