CVE-2013-1348 in Symfony
Summary
by MITRE
The Yaml::parse function in Symfony 2.0.x before 2.0.22 remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a PHP file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-1397.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2018
The CVE-2013-1348 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the Symfony web application framework's Yaml::parse function. This vulnerability specifically affected Symfony 2.0.x versions prior to 2.0.22, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw stems from improper handling of YAML data structures during parsing operations, allowing maliciously crafted YAML input to be interpreted as executable PHP code rather than mere data. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the YAML parser's ability to deserialize objects, which can be manipulated to trigger PHP object injection attacks. Attackers could exploit this by crafting specially formatted YAML content that, when processed by the vulnerable Yaml::parse function, would result in arbitrary code execution on the server hosting the Symfony application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the YAML parser's deserialization process, which can be manipulated to instantiate PHP objects with malicious payloads. When the parser encounters certain YAML constructs, it attempts to deserialize them into PHP objects, and if these objects are not properly sanitized or validated, they can execute arbitrary code during the deserialization process. This vulnerability falls under the category of object injection attacks and specifically relates to CWE-502, which addresses deserialization of untrusted data. The flaw enables attackers to execute PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2013-1397, which was a separate issue affecting the same framework version, demonstrating that Symfony 2.0.x was particularly vulnerable to multiple attack vectors during this timeframe.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1348 is severe and far-reaching for organizations using vulnerable Symfony applications. Remote code execution capabilities allow attackers to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects web applications that utilize the Symfony framework's YAML parsing functionality, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems, web applications, and enterprise applications built on this framework. Organizations running vulnerable versions could face significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage due to successful exploitation. The attack surface is broad since YAML parsing is commonly used for configuration files, data interchange, and various application components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1348 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Symfony installations to version 2.0.22 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the vulnerable deserialization behavior. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious YAML parsing activities. Input validation and sanitization should be implemented for all YAML data entering the system, with strict whitelisting of acceptable YAML structures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application firewalls and runtime protections that can detect and block malicious YAML payloads. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning to identify any remaining vulnerable components, and organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their Symfony applications to ensure no other similar vulnerabilities exist. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for PHP and T1566 for malicious file execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both the exploitation techniques and the underlying system vulnerabilities.