Description
A vulnerability was identified in NeuVector, where the enforcer used environment variables CLUSTER_RPC_PORT and CLUSTER_LAN_PORT to generate a command to be executed via popen, without first sanitising their values. The entry process of the enforcer container is the monitor process. When the enforcer container stops, the monitor process checks whether the consul subprocess has exited. To perform this check, the monitor process uses the popen function to execute a shell command that determines whether the ports used by the consul subprocess are still active. The values of environment variables CLUSTER_RPC_PORT and CLUSTER_LAN_PORT are used directly to compose shell commands via popen without validation or sanitization. This behavior could allow a malicious user to inject malicious commands through these variables within the enforcer container.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-35221
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description:
The vulnerability in NeuVector involves the use of environment variables CLUSTER_RPC_PORT and CLUSTER_LAN_PORT to generate shell commands via the popen function without proper sanitization. This can lead to command injection, allowing a malicious user to execute arbitrary commands within the enforcer container.
Severity Evaluation:
The vulnerability has a base score of 9.9 according to CVSS 3.1, indicating a critical severity. The scoring vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H breaks down as follows:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal complexity.
- Privileges Required (PR): Low (L) - The attacker needs low-level privileges.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Scope (S): Changed (C) - The vulnerability affects a different security scope.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - There is a high impact on confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - There is a high impact on integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - There is a high impact on availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Environment Variable Injection: An attacker with access to the environment variables can inject malicious commands by manipulating
CLUSTER_RPC_PORTandCLUSTER_LAN_PORT. - Remote Code Execution: By exploiting the command injection vulnerability, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands, leading to remote code execution within the enforcer container.
Exploitation Methods:
- Command Injection: The attacker can craft environment variables with embedded shell commands, which will be executed by the
popenfunction. - Privilege Escalation: If the enforcer container runs with elevated privileges, the attacker can escalate their privileges within the container or the host system.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- NeuVector versions:
- 5.3.0 to 5.3.5
- 5.4.0 to 5.4.7
- 0.0.0-20230727023453-1c4957d53911 to 0.0.0-20251020133207-084a437033b4
Vendor:
- SUSE
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Patching: Upgrade to the latest version of NeuVector that addresses this vulnerability.
- Environment Variable Sanitization: Ensure that all environment variables used in shell commands are properly sanitized and validated.
- Least Privilege Principle: Run the enforcer container with the least privileges necessary to minimize the impact of potential exploitation.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Security Training: Provide security training for developers to understand the risks associated with command injection and proper sanitization techniques.
- Regular Updates: Implement a regular update and patch management process to ensure timely application of security patches.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Impact Analysis:
- Critical Infrastructure: NeuVector is often used in critical infrastructure and enterprise environments. A successful exploitation could lead to significant disruptions and data breaches.
- Compliance: Organizations may face compliance issues if they fail to address this vulnerability, especially under regulations like GDPR and NIS Directive.
- Reputation: A breach resulting from this vulnerability could damage the reputation of affected organizations and the trust in their security measures.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- Vulnerable Component: The enforcer container's monitor process uses the
popenfunction to execute shell commands. - Exploitation: The values of
CLUSTER_RPC_PORTandCLUSTER_LAN_PORTare directly used in shell commands without validation, allowing command injection. - Mitigation: Implement input validation and sanitization for all environment variables used in shell commands. Use secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
References:
Conclusion: The vulnerability in NeuVector is critical and requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize patching and implementing robust security measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Regular security audits and adherence to best practices will help in maintaining a secure cybersecurity posture.