CVE-2024-22190 : What You Need to Know

This CVE involves an untrusted search path vulnerability under certain conditions on Windows that allows for arbitrary code execution in GitPython.

Understanding CVE-2024-22190

This vulnerability in GitPython could lead to a severe impact on systems running the affected versions.

What is CVE-2024-22190?

The CVE-2024-22190 vulnerability in GitPython, a python library for Git repositories, occurs due to an incomplete fix for a previous vulnerability (CVE-2023-40590). On Windows systems, GitPython utilizes an untrusted search path when using a shell to execute

git

and when running

bash.exe

to interpret hooks. This behavior can potentially allow a malicious

git.exe

or

bash.exe

to be executed from an untrusted repository, leading to arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2024-22190

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8. It poses a significant risk to system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as no special privileges are required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-22190

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from GitPython's unsafe use of a search path on Windows systems, which could be exploited by executing malicious code from untrusted repositories. The issue has been addressed in version 3.1.41 of GitPython.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is GitPython, with versions prior to 3.1.41 being vulnerable to this exploit on Windows platforms.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves triggering the untrusted search path behavior in GitPython on Windows, which can result in the execution of malicious code from unauthorized sources.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from potential exploitation of CVE-2024-22190, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update GitPython to version 3.1.41 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, caution should be exercised when interacting with repositories from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures such as restricting access to sensitive systems, employing secure coding practices, and regularly updating software are crucial for maintaining a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and promptly applying patches from trusted sources can help prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-22190 in software dependencies.