CVE-2024-58251 is a vulnerability in the netstat command of BusyBox versions up to 1.37.0. This vulnerability allows local users to launch a network application with an argv[0] that contains an ANSI terminal escape sequence. The result is a denial of service, causing the terminal to lock up when netstat is executed by a victim. With a CVSS score of 2.5, this vulnerability is classified as low severity, but it can still impact user productivity in environments where BusyBox is utilized.
Risk to organizations includes potential disruption to terminal operations, particularly in environments heavily reliant on BusyBox for network applications. Although exploitation requires local access, it still poses a risk to operational efficiency. Organizations should prioritize evaluating their use of BusyBox in order to implement appropriate mitigations and reduce any potential impact from this vulnerability.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, and it has not been classified as actively exploited. However, organizations should remain vigilant and consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and patch management strategies.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their routine maintenance cycles to prevent any disruption related to terminal operations.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability found in BusyBox relates specifically to the netstat command. The official CVE description states: "In netstat in BusyBox through 1.37.0, local users can launch a network application with an argv[0] containing an ANSI terminal escape sequence, leading to a denial of service (terminal locked up) when netstat is used by a victim." This vulnerability falls under the CWE-150 classification, indicating an improper input validation that can lead to unexpected behavior.
The CVSS score of 2.5 indicates low severity, reflecting that the attack vector is local, the complexity is high, and no privileges are required for exploitation. Additionally, user interaction is needed to trigger the vulnerability. The impact on availability is assessed as low, as it primarily affects the terminal experience without compromising confidentiality or integrity.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the way the netstat command processes user input. Specifically, if a local user provides an argv[0] that includes an ANSI escape sequence, it can cause the terminal to become unresponsive when netstat is executed. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is considered high because it requires specific knowledge of how to craft the input string to lock up the terminal. No special privileges are required for the attacker, and user interaction is necessary to invoke the vulnerable command.
From an impact perspective, the availability of the terminal is affected, but there is no impact on confidentiality or integrity. Users will experience disruption in their terminal operations until the terminal session is reset.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2024-58251 is primarily linked to environments where BusyBox is a critical component. Organizations utilizing BusyBox should assess the potential for local users to exploit this vulnerability, especially in shared environments where terminal access can be easily obtained. The potential disruption to terminal operations can impact productivity, making it essential for organizations to address this vulnerability promptly.
While the severity is classified as low, the specific context in which BusyBox is used can amplify the risk. Organizations with extensive use of this utility should consider implementing additional controls to mitigate the impact of this vulnerability. Monitoring for anomalous behavior and ensuring user access controls are in place will be beneficial.
Given the low CVSS score and lack of active exploitation, organizations may schedule remediation during routine maintenance. However, it is advisable to remain vigilant and monitor updates from BusyBox for any forthcoming patches.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of BusyBox prior to 1.37.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using BusyBox should ensure they are utilizing an updated version to mitigate the associated risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of BusyBox to address this vulnerability. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the netstat command for non-administrative users to prevent exploitation.
Monitoring for unusual behavior when netstat is executed is also recommended. For organizations looking to enhance their security posture, engaging in penetration testing can help identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential misuse of the netstat command related to this vulnerability, organizations should implement logging on command execution. Monitoring for command arguments that include ANSI escape sequences can provide insights into potential exploitation attempts.
Behavioral anomalies in terminal sessions should also be tracked, as unexpected terminal lockups may indicate exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2024-58251 represents a low-severity vulnerability that highlights the importance of input validation in command-line utilities. Security teams should review their use of BusyBox and ensure best practices for command access are implemented. This vulnerability also underscores the need for continuous monitoring and timely updates to mitigate risks associated with local vulnerabilities.
Organizations should be aware of the potential for similar vulnerabilities to arise in other command-line utilities and take a proactive approach to security. Maintaining a robust security framework that includes regular updates and security assessments can significantly enhance an organization's defense posture.
For additional insights on penetration testing practices, organizations can refer to the penetration testing methodology and security best practices.
As organizations continue to adapt to evolving security landscapes, understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-58251 is crucial for maintaining operational integrity and security.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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