CVE-2024-0740: Eclipse Target Management RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-0740 Overview

CVE-2024-0740 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Eclipse Target Management: Terminal and Remote System Explorer (RSE) version 4.5.400 and earlier. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without any authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous for development environments utilizing this Eclipse plugin.

The vulnerability stems from command injection weaknesses (CWE-77, CWE-78) within the RSE component, which is commonly used by developers for terminal access and remote system exploration within the Eclipse IDE. Given the unauthenticated nature of this attack vector, any exposed RSE instance becomes a potential entry point for threat actors.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote code execution allows attackers to compromise development environments, potentially leading to supply chain attacks, source code theft, or lateral movement within corporate networks.

Affected Products

• Eclipse Target Management version <= 4.5.400
• Eclipse IDE versions prior to 2024-03
• Any Eclipse installation with RSE plugin version 4.5.400 or earlier

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-04-26 - CVE-2024-0740 published to NVD
• 2025-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-0740

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability affects the Eclipse Target Management Terminal and Remote System Explorer (RSE) component, which provides remote system connectivity and terminal functionality within the Eclipse IDE. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the network interface without requiring valid credentials.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command) and CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command), indicating that user-controlled input is improperly handled before being passed to system command execution functions.

Development environments are particularly valuable targets as they often contain sensitive source code, credentials, and have access to build systems and deployment pipelines. A successful exploit could enable attackers to inject malicious code into software builds, exfiltrate intellectual property, or establish persistence within enterprise networks.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-0740 lies in improper input sanitization within the RSE component's command handling functionality. When processing remote connections and terminal operations, the component fails to properly neutralize special characters and command sequences before passing them to the underlying operating system shell. This allows specially crafted input to escape the intended command context and execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the Eclipse process.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no user interaction or authentication. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Identifying an exposed Eclipse RSE instance on the network
2. Crafting malicious input containing command injection payloads
3. Sending the payload to the vulnerable RSE component
4. Achieving arbitrary command execution on the target system

The vulnerability's network accessibility without authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous in environments where developer workstations or build servers may be accessible from internal networks or, in misconfigured cases, the internet.

Technical details regarding the specific exploitation mechanism can be found in the Eclipse Vulnerability Report #171 and the associated Eclipse Git Commit that addresses this issue.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-0740

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected outbound network connections originating from Eclipse IDE processes
• Anomalous child processes spawned by the Eclipse runtime (e.g., shell processes, scripting interpreters)
• Unusual system commands or file operations executed by Java processes associated with Eclipse
• Authentication or access log entries showing attempts to connect to RSE services from unknown sources

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for processes spawned by Eclipse IDE binaries that execute system shells or command interpreters
• Implement network segmentation and monitor for unexpected connections to developer workstations
• Deploy endpoint detection rules targeting command injection patterns in Eclipse-related process trees
• Review Eclipse plugin versions and flag any installations with RSE version 4.5.400 or earlier

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for Eclipse IDE installations in enterprise environments
• Configure SIEM rules to correlate unusual process execution patterns on developer workstations
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical development systems to detect unauthorized modifications
• Establish baseline network behavior for development environments and alert on deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-0740

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Eclipse IDE to version 2024-03 or later, which includes the patched RSE component
• If immediate upgrade is not possible, disable or uninstall the RSE plugin until patching can be completed
• Audit network exposure of developer workstations and restrict access to essential services only
• Review access logs for any indicators of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Eclipse has addressed this vulnerability in Eclipse IDE 2024-03 release. The security fix is documented in the Eclipse Git Commit. Organizations should prioritize updating all Eclipse installations, particularly those in development and build environments.

For detailed information about the vulnerability and remediation, refer to Eclipse Vulnerability Report #171.

Workarounds

• Disable the RSE plugin entirely if remote system explorer functionality is not required
• Implement network segmentation to isolate developer workstations from untrusted network segments
• Deploy host-based firewalls to restrict incoming connections to Eclipse processes
• Consider using alternative remote connection tools until patching is complete

# Verify Eclipse IDE version and check for vulnerable RSE plugin
# Navigate to Eclipse installation directory and check version
cat eclipse/.eclipseproduct | grep version

# List installed plugins and check for vulnerable RSE versions
ls -la eclipse/plugins/ | grep org.eclipse.tm