CVE-2014-1999 in FuelPHP
Summary
by MITRE
The auto-format feature in the Request_Curl class in FuelPHP 1.1 through 1.7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted response.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2019
The CVE-2014-1999 vulnerability resides within the FuelPHP framework's Request_Curl class, specifically targeting versions ranging from 1.1 through 1.7.1. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution through improper input handling within the auto-format functionality. The vulnerability exploits the framework's automatic response formatting mechanism, which is designed to handle various data types and formats seamlessly. However, the implementation contains a dangerous flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious payloads into the response handling process, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected server. The auto-format feature is typically used to automatically convert response data into different formats such as json, xml, or html, but this functionality becomes a vector for exploitation when proper input validation is absent.
The technical exploitation occurs through a carefully crafted response that triggers the vulnerable auto-format functionality within the Request_Curl class. When the framework processes this malicious response, the improper handling of input data allows attacker-controlled code to be executed within the context of the web server. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code," specifically relating to "Code Injection" where attacker-supplied data is interpreted as executable code. The flaw essentially allows for remote code execution through the manipulation of HTTP response data, bypassing normal security boundaries that would typically prevent such unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication or specific user interaction, making it a severe threat to applications using affected versions of FuelPHP.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially gaining full control over the application environment. This includes the ability to read sensitive files, modify application data, install backdoors, or even use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects any application using the FuelPHP framework that employs the auto-format feature in the Request_Curl class, making it particularly concerning for web applications that rely on automatic response handling. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the severity of the exploitation vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1999 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of FuelPHP, as the vulnerability was resolved in later versions of the framework. Organizations should prioritize updating their FuelPHP installations to versions that contain the appropriate fixes for the auto-format functionality in the Request_Curl class. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, though these are not complete solutions given the nature of the vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block exploitation attempts, though they may not prevent all attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.006 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python," as the execution of arbitrary code through HTTP responses resembles command execution through scripting interpreters. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual HTTP response patterns and automated code execution attempts to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in the application stack that could be leveraged alongside this vulnerability.