CVE-2014-3699 in eDeploy
Summary
by MITRE
eDeploy has RCE via cPickle deserialization of untrusted data
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3699 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the eDeploy application ecosystem. This security weakness stems from the application's improper handling of cPickle deserialization processes when processing untrusted data inputs. The flaw exists in the way eDeploy manages serialized data structures, particularly when these structures originate from external sources or user-controlled inputs. The vulnerability creates a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data as a security risk. When eDeploy receives serialized data through its cPickle implementation, it fails to validate or sanitize the incoming payload before attempting to deserialize it. This primitive deserialization process allows attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed, trigger unintended code execution. The cPickle module in python is particularly susceptible to this type of attack because it can execute arbitrary code during the deserialization process, making it a favored target for exploitation by attackers seeking to gain system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3699 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can leverage the executed code to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects systems where eDeploy is running and accessible to unauthenticated users or those with limited access privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning because cPickle deserialization issues often go undetected during normal application testing, making them difficult to identify and remediate before exploitation occurs.
This vulnerability maps to multiple tactics within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly covering execution through legitimate user processes and privilege escalation techniques. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance and initial access, followed by exploitation of the deserialization vulnerability to achieve code execution. From there, attackers can move laterally across networks, escalate privileges, and maintain persistence using various techniques outlined in the ATT&CK methodology. Organizations utilizing eDeploy should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors and reduce the overall attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3699 require immediate attention and multiple layers of defense. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all data received by eDeploy applications, particularly when processing serialized objects. Organizations should consider replacing cPickle deserialization with safer alternatives such as JSON or XML parsing where possible, as these formats do not execute code during parsing operations. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and network monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly, while application developers should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on serialization handling and input validation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards that emphasize the dangers of deserializing untrusted data in application architectures.