April 29, 2024 at 05:15PM
A high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-27322) in R programming language’s deserialization process poses a threat to organizations using the language. Attackers could execute arbitrary code through specially crafted RDS files or packages, affecting sectors such as finance, healthcare, and AI. The issue has been addressed in R version 4.4.0, but organizations are advised to update and use trusted files and packages.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting Notes:
1. Vulnerability in R Programming Language:
– A high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-27322) has been identified in the R programming language, creating potential exposure to attacks via the software supply chain.
– The vulnerability involves R’s process for deserializing data, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted RDS files or R packages.
2. Impact on R Language and Package Ecosystem:
– R is widely used in various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, research, and AI/machine learning environments.
– Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) hosts over 20,000 packages, while R-Forge has more than 15,800 registered members and hosts over 2,146 projects.
– The vulnerability could potentially affect thousands of downstream users through the open-source space for R packages.
3. Mitigation Recommendations:
– Maintainers of R have addressed the issue in R version 4.4.0 after being informed by HiddenLayer.
– Organizations should move to the latest version of R to mitigate the risk and make users aware of potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the use of trusted files and packages.
4. Exploitation and Attack Surface:
– Attackers can create malicious RDS files or R packages containing embedded arbitrary R code that executes on the victim’s target device upon interaction.
– Multiple infection sources, such as major hubs like R-Forge and Bioconductor, present a potentially vast attack surface, making it critical for organizations to take proactive measures.
5. Lazy Evaluation and Promise Objects:
– The vulnerability in R relates to lazy evaluation and promise objects, allowing attackers to tinker with promise objects to run their chosen code during deserialization.
Overall, the discovery of the vulnerability in R highlights the need for organizations to stay updated on potential risks and take proactive measures to ensure the security of their R environments and avoid the potential for supply chain attacks.