# CVE-2019-14282: Code backdoor in simple_captcha2

> A backdoor in the simple_captcha2 Ruby gem allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems using the library.

- **Severity:** Critical 9.8 (`CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** No
- **Published:** 26 Jul 2019
- **Updated:** 5 Aug 2024
- **Also known as:** GHSA-wg6j-r28m-7293

## What is CVE-2019-14282?

CVE-2019-14282 is a critical code injection vulnerability in n/a, published on 26 Jul 2019. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

The simple_captcha2 gem 0.2.3 for Ruby, as distributed on RubyGems.org, included a code-execution backdoor inserted by a third party.

Weakness: CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2019-14282?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including simple_captcha2. It affects 1 product.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `simple_captcha2` | RubyGems | All versions | None |
| `simple_captcha2` | RubyGems | All versions | None |

Products: Simple Captcha2 Project Simple Captcha2.

## How do I fix CVE-2019-14282?

No fix has been published for CVE-2019-14282 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

## Is CVE-2019-14282 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2019-14282 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2019-14282 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2019-14282 is a critical code injection vulnerability in n/a, published on 26 Jul 2019. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of CVE-2019-14282 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- simple_captcha2 (RubyGems): affected all versions; no fix listed
- simple_captcha2 (RubyGems): affected all versions; no fix listed

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2019-14282/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2019-14282/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2019-14282
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-14282
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2019-14282

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2019-14282/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.