Remote code execution in Visual Studio

1) Windows Hard Link

EUVDB-ID: #VU22665

Risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 6.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-1425

CWE-ID: CWE-65 - Windows hard link

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise the system.

The vulnerability exists due to incorrect processing of hardlinks when extincting archived files. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted file, convince the victim into downloading a malicious package and execute arbitrary code in the context of local system.

Note, this vulnerability was introduced due to presence of two vulnerable NPM packages:

tar

fstream

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Visual Studio: 15.9 - 16.3.0 16.3.29318.209

External links

http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2019-1425

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.