CVE-2013-5093 in Graphite
Summary
by MITRE
The renderLocalView function in render/views.py in graphite-web in Graphite 0.9.5 through 0.9.10 uses the pickle Python module unsafely, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted serialized object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5093 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the Graphite monitoring system's web interface. This vulnerability exists within the renderLocalView function located in the render/views.py file of graphite-web components. The issue stems from the unsafe usage of Python's pickle module, which is designed for serializing and deserializing Python objects but becomes dangerous when handling untrusted data. The vulnerability affects Graphite versions from 0.9.5 through 0.9.10, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these older versions of the monitoring platform.
The technical flaw manifests when the renderLocalView function processes serialized data through the pickle module without proper validation or sanitization of input. The pickle module's design allows it to execute arbitrary code during deserialization, making it particularly dangerous when processing data from untrusted sources. Attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable function, trigger unintended code execution on the target system. This creates a direct pathway for remote attackers to gain control over the affected Graphite web server, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly severe in networked environments where the web interface is exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected monitoring infrastructure. Since Graphite servers often contain sensitive operational data, including performance metrics, system monitoring information, and potentially access credentials, successful exploitation can lead to data breaches and system infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not upgraded to patched versions of Graphite, leaving them exposed to potential attacks that could disrupt monitoring operations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Graphite is used for critical infrastructure monitoring.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Graphite versions that have patched this vulnerability, specifically versions beyond 0.9.10 where the pickle usage has been properly secured. The mitigation strategy should include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Graphite web interface, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious pickle-based requests, and conducting thorough security assessments of existing Graphite installations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns in serialized data processing and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data," and represents a classic example of how unsafe deserialization can lead to remote code execution. The attack pattern follows typical techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 subtechnique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary commands on target systems.