Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
This vulnerability in a Python component allows for command injection, potentially leading to unauthorized file access or system disruption. It is triggered when unfiltered user input is passed to a specific function within the shutil module. The primary concern is confirming if this function is utilized with untrusted input within your environment.
- Code flaw lets attackers run commands.
- Affects systems using a specific Python function.
- Confirm usage and impact on your systems.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending unfiltered user input to a Python application that utilizes the `make_archive` function. If the application processes this input without proper sanitization, the attacker could inject commands, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation on the system or a denial of service.
- Requires unfiltered user input.
- Triggered by `shutil.make_archive` function.
- Risk of file injection or denial of service.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
When unfiltered user input is passed to the `make_archive` function in the `shutil` module, it could allow attackers to inject arbitrary files onto the system. This could lead to denial of service or information disclosure by overwriting or accessing system files.
- System files and data at risk.
- Via unfiltered user input to a function.
- Denial of service or information gain.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability impacts Python 2.7's `shutil` module, specifically the `make_archive` function. Real-world ownership will likely fall to application owners who utilize this function, or infrastructure and platform teams managing the Python environments. The first practical step is to identify all instances of the affected Python version, determine if they process unfiltered user input via `make_archive`, assess their business criticality, and then plan remediation or risk reduction strategies.
- Application owners should verify usage.
- Confirm processing of unfiltered user input.
- Plan targeted remediation or mitigation.
