CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-28893NVD status: Analyzed

HP software packages (SoftPaqs): Improper Control of Generation of Code

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-28893 is a high-severity improper control of generation of code vulnerability in HP software packages (SoftPaqs) from HP, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with administrator privileges, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected HP software packages (SoftPaqs) versions: See HP Security Bulletin reference for affected versions.. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.28% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of HP software packages (SoftPaqs) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on support.hp.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
HPHP software packages (SoftPaqs)See HP Security Bulletin reference for affected versions.Not stated
HPsoftpaqsNot specified in the recordNot stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).

Official description

Certain HP software packages (SoftPaqs) are potentially vulnerable to arbitrary code execution when the SoftPaq configuration file has been modified after extraction. HP has released updated software packages (SoftPaqs).

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Control of Generation of Code

The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Refactor your program so that you do not have to dynamically generate code.
  • Run your code in a jail or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which code can be executed by your product. Examples include the Unix chroot jail and AppArmor. In general, managed code may provide some protection. This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of your application may still be subject to compromise. Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
  • Use dynamic tools and techniques that interact with the product using large test suites with many diverse inputs, such as fuzz testing (fuzzing), robustness testing, and fault injection. The product's operation may slow down, but it should not become unstable, crash, or generate incorrect results.

More Improper Control of Generation of Code vulnerabilities (CWE-94)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Improper Control of Generation of Code vulnerabilities

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