git-lfs: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') (CVE-2024-53263) #shorts

Summary

In today's episode, we discuss a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53263 affecting Git LFS, a Git extension for versioning large files. This vulnerability permits privilege escalation by exploiting improper neutralization of special elements within the Git credential management process.

Product details

Git LFS, or Git Large File Storage, is a tool used to manage large files within a Git repository. This extension helps manage and version large files beyond the capacity usually handled by native Git. The vulnerability affects Git LFS versions from 0.1.0 up to but not including 3.6.1.

Vulnerability type summary

The vulnerability falls under CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, commonly referred to as an 'Injection' flaw. This type of vulnerability occurs when untrusted inputs are improperly sanitized before being passed to downstream components, allowing attackers to manipulate system behavior.

Details of the vulnerability

The issue arises when Git LFS requests credentials from Git for a remote host. Portions of the host's URL are passed to the git-credential command without validating for line-ending control characters. Malicious actors can exploit this by embedding URL-encoded control characters, such as line feed (LF) or carriage return (CR), to retrieve user credentials. The vulnerability affects all previous versions and is patched in version 3.6.1. Users are strongly encouraged to upgrade immediately to mitigate risks, as no workarounds are currently available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CVE-2024-53263 highlights the importance of input validation and proper sanitization processes within software components. Affected users, particularly those using versions lower than 3.6.1, should update promptly to ensure their systems are secure. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance in maintaining software and implementing security patches as they become available.

Watch the full video on YouTube: CVE-2024-53263

Remediation and exploitation details

This chain involves the following actors

This following systems are involved

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Related Content

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CVE database technical details

CVE ID
CVE-2024-53263
Description
Git LFS is a Git extension for versioning large files. When Git LFS requests credentials from Git for a remote host, it passes portions of the host's URL to the `git-credential(1)` command without checking for embedded line-ending control characters, and then sends any credentials it receives back from the Git credential helper to the remote host. By inserting URL-encoded control characters such as line feed (LF) or carriage return (CR) characters into the URL, an attacker may be able to retrieve a user's Git credentials. This problem exists in all previous versions and is patched in v3.6.1. All users should upgrade to v3.6.1. There are no workarounds known at this time.
Provider
GitHub_M
CWE / problem types
CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
Affected Software Versions
git-lfs:git-lfs:[{'version': '>= 0.1.0, < 3.6.1', 'status': 'affected'}]
Date Published
2025-01-14T19:33:21.876Z
Last Updated
2025-01-28T04:55:24.382Z