#VU31897 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component in kramdown - CVE-2020-14001

Vulnerability identifier: #VU31897

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-14001

CWE-ID: CWE-74

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
kramdown
Web applications / Modules and components for CMS

Vendor: Thomas Leitner

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper validation of input. A remote attacker can gain read access (such as template="/etc/passwd") or embedded Ruby code execution (such as a string that begins with template="string://<%= `).

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

kramdown: 0.1.0 - 2.2.1

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External links
https://github.com/gettalong/kramdown
https://github.com/gettalong/kramdown/commit/1b8fd33c3120bfc6e5164b449e2c2fc9c9306fde
https://github.com/gettalong/kramdown/compare/REL_2_2_1...REL_2_3_0
https://kramdown.gettalong.org
https://kramdown.gettalong.org/news.html
https://rubygems.org/gems/kramdown

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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.