CVE-2022-48338 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was discovered in GNU Emacs through 28.2. The ruby-find-library-file function in ruby-mode.el is vulnerable to local command injection due to unescaped feature-name parameters, allowing malicious Ruby source files to execute commands.

Understanding CVE-2022-48338

This vulnerability in GNU Emacs can be exploited by attackers using specially crafted Ruby files to execute arbitrary commands on the host system.

What is CVE-2022-48338?

The CVE-2022-48338 involves a local command injection vulnerability in the ruby-find-library-file function of GNU Emacs through version 28.2, where unescaped parameters can allow malicious Ruby source files to execute system commands.

The Impact of CVE-2022-48338

If exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-48338

In the affected ruby-mode.el file in GNU Emacs through 28.2, the ruby-find-library-file function allows for command injection due to unescaped feature-name parameters used in calling the external gem command through shell-command-to-string.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from unescaped feature-name parameters in the ruby-find-library-file function, which can be triggered by specially crafted Ruby files to execute arbitrary shell commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of GNU Emacs up to 28.2 are affected by this vulnerability in the ruby-mode.el file.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious Ruby source files to include specific feature-name parameters that trigger the execution of arbitrary commands via the gem command.

Mitigation and Prevention

Users and administrators can take immediate steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2022-48338 and ensure long-term security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GNU Emacs to version 28.2 or apply the necessary patches provided by the vendor.
Avoid opening untrusted Ruby files in GNU Emacs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
Practice the principle of least privilege by restricting access rights for users and applications.

Patching and Updates

Monitor security advisories from GNU Emacs and relevant Linux distributions for updates addressing CVE-2022-48338 to patch the vulnerability.