CVE-2022-44053 - d8s-networking Python Library Vulnerability with Code Execution Backdoor in d8s-htm v.1.

Recently, a severe vulnerability (CVE-2022-44053) was discovered in the d8s-networking library for Python, primarily used to handle networking-related tasks in various applications. This vulnerability stems from a potential code-execution backdoor that was inserted by a third party. The malicious package, democritus-user-agents, targeted the d8s-htm component (version .1.) of the d8s-networking library.

In this post, we will discuss the details of this vulnerability, provide code snippets demonstrating the exploit, and offer links to original references and relevant resources.

Vulnerability Details

The main issue with the d8s-networking library lies in the d8s-htm component (version .1.). The democritus-user-agents package, which was maliciously inserted by a third party, provides a backdoor for executing arbitrary code. When unsuspecting developers utilize the affected d8s-networking library in their projects, this backdoor allows attackers to execute malicious code on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or worse.

Code Snippet

To demonstrate the vulnerability, let's first take a look at the malicious democritus-user-agents package. Note the hidden code execution backdoor within the package:

# Malicious democritus-user-agents package
import os

def get_random_user_agent():
    # ... original code ...
    
    # Hidden backdoor
    os.system("touch /tmp/CVE-2022-44053-executed")
    
    return user_agent

Now, consider a simple application using the affected d8s-networking library and d8s-htm version .1.

# Application using d8s-networking
from d8s_networking import get

url = "https://example.com";
response = get(url)
print(response.content)

When the application is executed, the malicious package's code is also executed, creating a file in the /tmp directory, confirming the backdoor's successful activation.

Exploit Details:
1. An attacker gains access to the d8s-networking library and modifies the democritus-user-agents package.
2. The malicious package is distributed along with the d8s-htm component (version .1.) in the d8s-networking library.

A developer downloads and uses the affected d8s-networking library in their Python application.

4. When the application runs, the attacker's code within the modified democritus-user-agents package is executed, granting the attacker unauthorized access and control over the targeted system.

Original References

- Vulnerability Reference: NIST.gov CVE-2022-44053
- d8s-networking GitHub Repository: GitHub d8s-networking
- Affected Component (d8s-htm v.1.): PyPI d8s-htm .1.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-44053 is a high-risk vulnerability affecting the d8s-networking library's d8s-htm component (version .1.). It highlights the challenges faced by open-source software maintainers in preventing unauthorized code injections from third parties.

Developers using the affected d8s-htm component should immediately update to a secure version and carefully review their dependencies to ensure no other malicious packages are present in their projects. It is essential to remain vigilant of the code libraries we use to build our software applications to reduce security risks and keep our systems safe.

Timeline

Published on: 11/07/2022 15:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/08/2022 16:24:00 UTC