CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-3271NVD status: Analyzed

run-llama/llama_index: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2024-3271 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in run-llama/llama_index from Run-llama, with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 10.26 as the first without the flaw, so updating run-llama/llama_index to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.89% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 87% of scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Update run-llama/llama_index to 10.26 or a later version.
  2. Update Llamaindex to 0.10.26 or a later version.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Run-llamarun-llama/llama_indexbefore 10.2610.26
Run-llamallama_indexNot specified in the recordNot stated
LlamaindexLlamaindex0.10.6 up to, but not including, 0.10.260.10.26

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
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
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:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (huntr.dev).

Official description

A command injection vulnerability exists in the run-llama/llama_index repository, specifically within the safe_eval function. Attackers can bypass the intended security mechanism, which checks for the presence of underscores in code generated by LLM, to execute arbitrary code. This is achieved by crafting input that does not contain an underscore but still results in the execution of OS commands. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution (RCE) on the server hosting the application.

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

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
  • If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
  • Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Other vulnerabilities in run-llama/llama_index

All run-llama/llama_index vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

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