Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in ZMarkdown
Key facts
- Attack vector
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- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub. Impact type from CWE-78.
Summary
### Impact A Remote Command Execution vulnerability was found in the rebber module, which allowed execution of arbitrary commands. The reported problem came from CodeBlocks, which could be escaped to insert malicious LaTeX. Anyone using `rebber` without sanitation of code content or a custom macro is impacted by this vulnerability. Here is an example of a Markdown content that will exploit the vulnerability: ````markdown ``` \end{CodeBlock} \immediate\write18{COMMAND > outputrce} \input{outputrce} \begin{CodeBlock}{text} ``` ```` Will insert into the generated LaTeX the result of executing `COMMAND` on the system. ### Patches The vulnerability has been patched in version 5.2.1. If impacted, you should update to this version as soon as possible. ### Workarounds It is possible to mitigate the vulnerability without upgrading by using a custom code macro. Please make sure this custom macro escapes your closing LaTeX sequence. For the example above, use: ```javascript const escaped = content.replace(new RegExp('\\\\end\\s*{CodeBlock}', 'g'), '') ``` ### For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory, open an issue in [ZMarkdown](https://github.com/zestedesavoir/zmarkdown/issues).
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | rebber (npm) | before 5.2.1 | 5.2.1 | Patch available | GHSA-2c83-wfv3-q25f |
- rebber (npm) Vendor— Affected before 5.2.1 Fixed in 5.2.1 Patch available GHSA-2c83-wfv3-q25f
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-2c83-wfv3-q25f rebber (npm) Fixed in 5.2.1 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-2c83-wfv3-q25f
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences