CVE-2018-19486 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-19486, a Git vulnerability allowing command execution from the current working directory. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
Git before version 2.19.2 on Linux and UNIX platforms has a vulnerability that allows commands to be executed from the current working directory in specific situations. This issue arises due to a risky transition in the execvp to execv behavior in 2017.
Understanding CVE-2018-19486
This CVE entry highlights a security flaw in Git versions prior to 2.19.2 on Linux and UNIX systems.
What is CVE-2018-19486?
CVE-2018-19486 is a vulnerability in Git that enables commands to be executed from the current working directory under certain conditions involving the run_command() API and run-command.c due to a change from execvp to execv in 2017.
The Impact of CVE-2018-19486
The vulnerability could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands from the current working directory, posing a security risk to affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-19486
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Git versions prior to 2.19.2 on Linux and UNIX platforms allows commands to be executed from the current working directory in specific scenarios involving the run_command() API and run-command.c due to a risky transition from execvp to execv in 2017.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: Linux and UNIX platforms
- Affected Versions: Git versions before 2.19.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by leveraging the behavior of the run_command() API and run-command.c to execute commands from the current working directory, as if it were at the end of the $PATH variable.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-19486 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Git to version 2.19.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid running Git commands in untrusted directories.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that Git is regularly updated to the latest version to address security vulnerabilities and enhance system security.