CVE-2024-11858 identifies a critical security flaw in Radare2 version 0.9.7, an open-source reverse engineering framework widely used for binary analysis. The vulnerability is an OS command injection caused by improper neutralization of special elements in input data, specifically when handling Pebble Application files. During the parsing of these files, Radare2 fails to adequately sanitize input, allowing an attacker to craft malicious inputs that inject arbitrary shell commands. These commands execute with the privileges of the user running Radare2, potentially leading to unauthorized system access, data manipulation, or denial of service. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, as the malicious file must be processed by Radare2. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.6 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no active exploits have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk for environments where Radare2 is used to analyze untrusted or user-supplied files. The flaw highlights the importance of robust input validation in security-critical tools that process complex file formats.

The impact of CVE-2024-11858 is substantial for organizations relying on Radare2 for reverse engineering, malware analysis, or security research. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary command execution, enabling attackers to compromise system confidentiality by accessing sensitive data, alter system integrity by modifying files or configurations, and disrupt availability through denial-of-service conditions. Since Radare2 is often used in security-sensitive environments, such as incident response and vulnerability research, exploitation could undermine trust in forensic processes or facilitate further attacks within a network. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in multi-user systems or environments where untrusted files are analyzed. Organizations may face operational disruptions, data breaches, or lateral movement opportunities for attackers leveraging this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2024-11858, organizations should immediately upgrade Radare2 to a patched version once available, as no patch links are currently provided but are expected soon. Until then, avoid processing untrusted Pebble Application files with Radare2, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Implement strict file validation and sandbox Radare2 execution environments to limit the impact of potential command injection. Employ least privilege principles by running Radare2 under restricted user accounts without administrative rights. Monitor system logs for unusual command executions or process behaviors related to Radare2. Additionally, consider using alternative tools for analyzing Pebble Application files if possible. Security teams should educate users about the risks of opening untrusted files and enforce policies that restrict the use of vulnerable software versions in production environments.