CVE-2024-43404
📋 TL;DR
MEGABOT Discord bot versions before 1.5.0 contain a remote code execution vulnerability in the /math command due to unsafe use of Python's eval() function. Attackers can inject arbitrary Python code through the expression parameter, potentially compromising the bot's host system. All Discord servers using vulnerable MEGABOT versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- MEGABOT Discord bot
📦 What is this software?
Megabot by Megacord
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the bot's host system, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal credentials, install malware, or pivot to other network resources.
Likely Case
Attacker gains shell access on the bot's host system, potentially accessing sensitive data, disrupting services, or using the system for further attacks.
If Mitigated
If proper network segmentation and least privilege are implemented, impact may be limited to the bot's container or isolated environment.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires Discord access to channels where bot is present. The vulnerability is simple to exploit with basic Python knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.5.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/NicPWNs/MEGABOT/security/advisories/GHSA-vhxp-4hwq-w3p2
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Stop the MEGABOT service. 2. Update to version 1.5.0 or later using git pull or downloading from releases. 3. Restart the MEGABOT service.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable /math command
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable /math command until patching is possible.
Edit bot configuration to remove or disable /math command functionality
Restrict bot permissions
linuxLimit bot's Discord permissions and host system privileges to reduce impact.
Run bot with minimal system privileges using: sudo -u restricted_user python3 megabot.py
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately disable the MEGABOT bot entirely until patching is possible.
- Isolate the bot's host system from sensitive network segments and monitor for suspicious activity.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check MEGABOT version. If version is less than 1.5.0, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the bot's startup logs or run: python3 -c "import megabot; print(megabot.__version__)" if availableVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm MEGABOT version is 1.5.0 or higher and test that /math command only accepts safe mathematical expressions.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Python imports or system commands in bot logs
- Error messages from eval() failures
- Suspicious activity following /math command usage
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from bot host
- Command and control traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
source="megabot.logs" AND command="/math" AND (message="*import*" OR message="*os.*" OR message="*subprocess*")🔗 References
- https://github.com/NicPWNs/MEGABOT/commit/71e79e5581ea36313700385b112d863053fb7ed6
- https://github.com/NicPWNs/MEGABOT/issues/137
- https://github.com/NicPWNs/MEGABOT/pull/138
- https://github.com/NicPWNs/MEGABOT/releases/tag/v1.5.0
- https://github.com/NicPWNs/MEGABOT/security/advisories/GHSA-vhxp-4hwq-w3p2
