OpenSSL Encrypt Sandbox Bypass via Pathlib and IO Modules

Executive Summary

This vulnerability affects openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0. The plugin sandbox restricts file access by overriding builtins.open with restricted_open. However, attackers can bypass this restriction by using alternative file access methods like pathlib.Path or io.open. These methods allow reading and writing arbitrary files without triggering the sandbox controls.

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Detection Guidance

Check if your system uses openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 by running: openssl_encrypt --version. If the version is below 1.4.0, the system is vulnerable. Inspect Python scripts for imports of pathlib or io modules, especially if they use methods like Path.read_text() or io.open().

Look for unusual file access patterns in logs or system calls that bypass restricted_open. Monitor for unexpected file writes or reads in directories outside intended paths.

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Impact Analysis

Attackers can exploit this to read sensitive files or write malicious files on the system where openssl_encrypt is running. This could lead to data theft, code execution, or system compromise depending on the environment and permissions of the application.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, violating compliance requirements for data protection such as GDPR or HIPAA. Organizations using affected versions may face legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of trust due to potential data breaches.

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Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade openssl_encrypt to version 1.4.0 or later immediately. This version includes fixes that block pathlib and io module imports and overrides their file methods to use restricted_open.

If upgrading is not possible, add pathlib and io to the import guard's blocked modules list. Alternatively, implement OS-level restrictions like chroot or namespaces to limit file access.

Review and audit all Python scripts for unauthorized use of pathlib or io modules. Remove or restrict such usage to prevent bypass attempts.

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