CVE-2024-58278 is an OS command injection vulnerability identified in IndigoSTAR Software's perl2exe product, specifically in versions up to 30.10C. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78), allowing local authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can manipulate the 0th argument of packed executables generated by perl2exe to execute an alternate executable, effectively bypassing intended execution restrictions. This flaw enables attackers to run malicious scripts or binaries with the privileges of the user running the perl2exe packed executable. The vulnerability requires local access and authentication but does not require user interaction, increasing the risk in environments where multiple users have local accounts. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.5, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no need for user interaction. No public exploit code or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is published and should be considered a significant risk for organizations using perl2exe for software deployment or packaging. The flaw could be exploited to escalate privileges, execute unauthorized code, and compromise systems, especially in development or production environments where perl2exe is used to distribute executables.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly to software development firms, IT service providers, and enterprises that use perl2exe to package and deploy Perl applications. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or disrupt services. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or operational downtime. The requirement for local authentication limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in multi-user environments or where insider threats exist. Given the high CVSS score and the ability to bypass execution restrictions, the vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise critical systems. Organizations in Europe with stringent data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) may face compliance issues if this vulnerability leads to data exposure. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation, especially as details become more widely known.

1. Restrict local access to systems running perl2exe packed executables to trusted users only, minimizing the attack surface. 2. Implement strict user account management and monitoring to detect unauthorized or suspicious local authentication attempts. 3. Audit and monitor execution of perl2exe packed binaries, focusing on unusual 0th argument manipulations or unexpected executable launches. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries. 5. Segregate development and production environments to limit potential impact. 6. Engage with IndigoSTAR Software for updates and patches; apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider alternative packaging tools if immediate patching is not feasible. 8. Educate local users about the risks of executing untrusted scripts or binaries. 9. Use system-level controls such as SELinux or AppArmor to restrict executable behaviors. 10. Regularly review and update security policies to incorporate controls addressing local privilege escalation risks.