CVE-2025-5277

Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-5277

1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation

CVE ID: CVE-2025-5277 Description: The aws-mcp-server MCP server is vulnerable to command injection. An attacker can craft a prompt that, once accessed by the MCP client, will run arbitrary commands on the host system. CVSS Score: 9.6

Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9.6 indicates a critical vulnerability. This high score is due to the potential for complete system compromise, including the execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the MCP server process. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution, which can lead to data breaches, system takeovers, and further lateral movement within the network.

2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

Attack Vectors:

• Remote Exploitation: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by crafting a malicious prompt that the MCP client will process.
• Phishing: Attackers may use social engineering techniques to trick users into accessing a malicious prompt.
• Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising upstream dependencies or libraries used by the MCP server could also be a vector for exploitation.

Exploitation Methods:

• Command Injection: The attacker can inject malicious commands into the prompt, which will be executed by the host system.
• Privilege Escalation: If the MCP server runs with elevated privileges, the attacker can gain higher-level access to the system.
• Data Exfiltration: The attacker can use the injected commands to exfiltrate sensitive data from the host system.

3. Affected Systems and Software Versions

Affected Systems:

• Any system running the aws-mcp-server MCP server.
• Systems that interact with the MCP server, including clients and other integrated services.

Software Versions:

• The specific version affected is not mentioned, but it is implied that the vulnerability exists in the version referenced by the commit 94d20ae1798a43ac7e3a28e71900d774e5159c8a.

4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies

Immediate Actions:

• Patching: Apply the latest patches and updates provided by the vendor to mitigate the vulnerability.
• Input Validation: Implement strict input validation and sanitization to prevent command injection.
• Least Privilege: Ensure that the MCP server runs with the least privileges necessary to minimize the impact of a successful exploit.

Long-Term Strategies:

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities.
• Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the lateral movement of attackers within the network.
• Intrusion Detection: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious activities and potential exploitation attempts.

5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape

Broader Implications:

• Supply Chain Security: This vulnerability highlights the importance of securing the software supply chain, as compromised components can have far-reaching effects.
• Cloud Security: Given the involvement of AWS, this underscores the need for robust security measures in cloud environments.
• Remote Code Execution: The ability to execute arbitrary commands remotely is a significant risk, emphasizing the need for stringent input validation and secure coding practices.

6. Technical Details for Security Professionals

Vulnerability Details:

• Code Reference: The vulnerability is located in the cli_executor.py file at line 92, as indicated by the GitHub reference.
• Exploit Mechanism: The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation, allowing attackers to inject commands into the prompt processed by the MCP server.

Mitigation Code Example:

import shlex
import subprocess

def safe_execute_command(command):
    # Sanitize and validate the command
    sanitized_command = shlex.quote(command)
    try:
        subprocess.run(sanitized_command, check=True, shell=True)
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Command execution failed: {e}")

# Example usage
safe_execute_command("echo 'Hello, World!'")

Conclusion: CVE-2025-5277 represents a critical vulnerability in the aws-mcp-server that can lead to remote code execution. Immediate patching, strict input validation, and adherence to the principle of least privilege are essential mitigation strategies. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and regular security audits in maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture.