CVE-2024-20286

Python interpreter vulnerability allows sandbox escape and OS access.

• CVSS 8.8
• CWE-693
• Input Validation and Sanitization
• Local

A vulnerability in the Python interpreter of Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, low-privileged, local attacker to escape the Python sandbox and gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system of the device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating specific functions within the Python interpreter. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to escape the Python sandbox and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the authenticated user.  Note: An attacker must be authenticated with Python execution privileges to exploit these vulnerabilities. For more information regarding Python execution privileges, see product-specific documentation, such as the section of the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Programmability Guide.

CVE

CVE-2024-20286

CWE

CWE-693

CVSS base score

8.8

Published

2024-08-28

OWASP

A01 Injection

Orthogonal defect classification

Function

Code defect classification

Incorrect Functionality

Category

Input Validation and Sanitization

Subcategory

Command Injection

Accessibility scope

Local

Impact

Arbitrary Code Execution

Affected component

Python

Solution

Upgrade to the latest version of Cisco NX-OS Software that addresses this vulnerability, as specified in the Cisco security advisory.

import os

def execute_command(command):
    """Vulnerable function that demonstrates the security issue."""
    os.system(command)

print(execute_command('ls'))
print(execute_command('rm -rf /'))

import subprocess

def execute_command(command):
    """Secure function that fixes the vulnerability."""
    blacklisted_commands = {'rm', 'mv', 'shutdown', 'reboot', 'dd', 'mkfs'}
    
    if any(blacklisted_command in command for blacklisted_command in blacklisted_commands):
        raise ValueError("Unauthorized command")
    
    result = subprocess.run(command, shell=True, check=True, text=True, capture_output=True)
    return result.stdout

try:
    print(execute_command('ls'))
    print(execute_command('rm -rf /'))
except ValueError as e:
    print(e)
except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
    print(f"Command execution failed: {e}")

os.system("malicious_command")

@misc{vaitp:cve202420286,
  title        = {{Python interpreter vulnerability allows sandbox escape and OS access.}},
  author       = {Bogaerts, Fr\'ed\'eric and Ivaki, Naghmeh and Fonseca, Jos\'e},
  year         = {2024},
  note         = {VAITP Python Vulnerability Dataset, entry CVE-2024-20286},
  howpublished = {\url{https://netpack.pt/vaitp/vulnerability/CVE-2024-20286/}}
}