CVE-2014-2921 in Pimcore
Summary
by MITRE
The getObjectByToken function in Newsletter.php in the Pimcore_Tool_Newsletter module in pimcore 1.4.9 through 2.0.0 does not properly handle an object obtained by unserializing Lucene search data, which allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary code via vectors involving a Zend_Pdf_ElementFactory_Proxy object and a pathname with a trailing \0 character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2921 resides within the Pimcore content management platform, specifically within the Newsletter.php file of the Pimcore_Tool_Newsletter module. This issue affects versions ranging from 1.4.9 through 2.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper handling of serialized data. The vulnerability stems from the getObjectByToken function which fails to properly sanitize or validate objects obtained through unserialization of Lucene search data, creating an exploitable pathway for attackers to inject malicious PHP objects into the application's memory space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on PHP object injection techniques that leverage the unserialize() function's inherent dangers when processing untrusted input. Attackers can craft malicious serialized data containing a Zend_Pdf_ElementFactory_Proxy object combined with a pathname featuring a trailing null character , which allows the attacker to manipulate the object unserialization process. This specific combination exploits the way PHP handles object deserialization, particularly when dealing with proxy objects that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code during the unserialization phase. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical weakness in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. This means that an attacker could potentially gain complete control over the Pimcore installation, leading to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be initiated remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious payloads directly within the application context, which can result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and system-wide compromise.
Organizations using affected versions of Pimcore should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the software, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all serialized data, and applying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious serialization patterns. The fix typically involves proper validation of unserialized objects and ensuring that the unserialization process only accepts trusted data sources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web applications, limiting the capabilities of the web server process and monitoring for unusual patterns in object deserialization activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices when dealing with serialized data in PHP applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1555.001 for credential access through unsecured data storage and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter through PHP code injection attacks.