CVE-2022-48339 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in GNU Emacs through 28.2. htmlfontify.el has a command injection vulnerability. In the hfy-istext-command function, the parameter file and parameter srcdir come from external input, and parameters are not escaped. If a file name or directory name contains shell metacharacters, code may be executed.

Understanding CVE-2022-48339

This CVE identifies a command injection vulnerability in GNU Emacs through version 28.2.

What is CVE-2022-48339?

CVE-2022-48339 highlights a command injection flaw in htmlfontify.el in GNU Emacs. The vulnerability arises from unescaped parameters sourced from external inputs, potentially leading to code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2022-48339

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow threat actors to execute arbitrary code by manipulating file or directory names with shell metacharacters in affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-48339

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the hfy-istext-command function of htmlfontify.el, enabling command injection due to unescaped parameters.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of GNU Emacs up to and including 28.2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting malicious commands into file or directory names containing shell metacharacters, attackers may execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems against CVE-2022-48339, consider the following actions.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update GNU Emacs to a patched version to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms and sanitize external inputs to mitigate the risk of command injections in software applications.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for GNU Emacs and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.