CVE-2024-22190: Critical GitPython Vulnerability Exposes Windows Systems to Potential Compromise

Overview

The cybersecurity world is in the spotlight once again as a new vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-22190, threatens Windows systems running GitPython, a widely-used python library for interacting with Git repositories. The vulnerability arises from an incomplete fix from a previous vulnerability, CVE-2023-40590. This vulnerability is of particular concern due to the potential for system compromise and data leakage. It is crucial for all organizations and users leveraging GitPython on Windows to understand the implications of this vulnerability and take immediate steps to mitigate its impact.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2024-22190
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS Score)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

GitPython | < 3.1.41 How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability stems from GitPython’s use of an untrusted search path when running `git` through a shell or when running `bash.exe` to interpret hooks on Windows. As a result, a malicious `git.exe` or `bash.exe` may be run from an untrusted repository, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running GitPython. This could result in unauthorized access to data, manipulation of data, or even full system compromise.

Conceptual Example Code

While this is a complex vulnerability that requires specific conditions for successful exploitation, the conceptual example below illustrates how an attacker might exploit the vulnerability. This pseudocode represents a malicious script disguised as `git.exe` or `bash.exe`:

# Pseudocode for malicious script disguised as 'git.exe' or 'bash.exe'
import os
def malicious_activity():
# Code to perform malicious activities such as
# data exfiltration or system compromise
pass
# Check if running within GitPython
if 'GitPython' in os.environ['PYTHONPATH']:
malicious_activity()

In this pseudocode, the script checks if it’s running within the environment of GitPython. If it is, it performs malicious activities, like data exfiltration or system compromise.
To mitigate this vulnerability, users are advised to upgrade to GitPython version 3.1.41 or later. As a temporary mitigation, users can implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to monitor and block suspicious activities. However, these measures will not fully address the vulnerability, and upgrading GitPython remains the recommended solution.