Definition
Arbitrary code execution is a critical security vulnerability that allows attackers to run malicious code on a target system or application.
The attackers use ACE to compromise systems, steal data and perform other malicious activities. In extreme cases, attackers can use ACE to take over the system and its infrastructure completely.
Examples of Arbitrary Code Execution
- SQL injection: The attackers inject SQL code to legitimate requests to perform arbitrary actions to the database or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Buffer overflow attacks: The attacker sends more data than the temporary memory (buffer) can handle, and as a result, the excess data overwrites the adjacent memory locations in the systems. They can cause system crashes or execute arbitrary code.
Arbitrary Code Execution Prevention Tips
- Perform regular system vulnerability scans.
- Configure firewalls to filter malicious traffic.
- Use up-to-date antivirus software.
- Update your operating system and applications frequently to get the latest security patches.
How Arbitrary Code Execution Works
Since the computer cannot differentiate between valid inputs and commands, attackers include malicious code in the data sent to the backend. If the system has ACE vulnerabilities, the code could modify system data, trigger an existing problem or give attackers unauthorized access.
Sometimes, an attacker may successfully gain administrative access and control of the application, in which case they completely take over the system.
Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerabilities
- Deserialization: In programming, serialization converts complex data into an easy-to-send stream, while deserialization converts it back to its original format. Attackers can manipulate serialized data, force deserialization without proper validation and execute arbitrary code.
- GND Idd arbitrary code execution: The ldd command allows users to explore dependencies of a shared library in Linux but can allow ACE attacks when a malicious code is placed in an executable path.
- Memory safety: Programs can only access memory locations they are explicitly allowed to. Any attempt to access an invalid memory location is a memory violation and can lead to a system crash. Attackers exploit memory violations to launch ACE attacks.
- Type confusion: When a program’s code does not explicitly tell the system what to do under certain circumstances, an attacker may provide a malicious answer that launches ACE.