CVE-2022-36231

pdf_info 0.5.3 is vulnerable to Command Execution because the Ruby code uses backticks instead of Open3

Critical · published February 23, 2023

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
3%
Percentile
87.3
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 Command execution is a hair's breadth away! A vulnerability in pdf_info 0.5.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands through simple backticks in Ruby code. 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant that takes orders without checking the menu — if the chef isn’t careful, an outsider could sneak in their own recipe for disaster! An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute any command on the server with the same privileges as the application, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. This could allow them to access sensitive information, alter files, or even take complete control of the server, which would be absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant that takes orders without checking the menu — if the chef isn’t careful, an outsider could sneak in their own recipe for disaster! This vulnerability arises because the code uses backticks for command execution instead of the safer Open3 method, which isolates command execution and prevents unintended command injection.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute any command on the server with the same privileges as the application, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. This could allow them to access sensitive information, alter files, or even take complete control of the server, which would be absolutely devastating! Immediate action is needed! Upgrade to pdf_info version 0.5.4 or later to eliminate this risk. Additionally, review your code for similar patterns and switch to Open3 for safer command execution practices. You've got this! Fixing this vulnerability will lock down your application and protect your users. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.03014 · 87.3th percentile
Published
2023-02-23T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 23 FEB 00:00Z
    pdf_info 0.5.3 is vulnerable to Command Execution because the Ruby code uses backticks instead of Open3
    cvelistv5