CVE-2014-3700 in eDeploy
Summary
by MITRE
eDeploy through at least 2014-10-14 has remote code execution due to eval() of untrusted data
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2024
The CVE-2014-3700 vulnerability resides within the eDeploy software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions through at least 2014-10-14. This critical security flaw manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that stems from the improper handling of untrusted data within the application's processing pipeline. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication or prior access privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's reliance on the eval() function to process incoming data streams. The eval() function in programming languages like javascript and python executes code dynamically at runtime, making it extremely dangerous when processing untrusted input. When eDeploy receives data from remote sources and directly feeds it into an eval() context without proper sanitization or validation, it creates an attack surface where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary code. This pattern directly aligns with CWE-94, which defines the weakness of executing arbitrary code through improper use of dynamic code execution functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, adversaries can install malware, modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that expose eDeploy systems to public networks or maintain remote access capabilities.
This vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insecure input handling that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution techniques. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted data payloads to the eDeploy service, which then processes this data through the vulnerable eval() function. The exploitation process can be automated and does not require specialized knowledge of the target system, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and script kiddies.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available versions of eDeploy, disabling remote access to the vulnerable service where possible, and implementing network segmentation to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other instances of eval() usage within their applications and establish proper input validation and sanitization procedures. The remediation process should also include monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's impact can be difficult to detect through conventional means.
The broader implications of CVE-2014-3700 highlight the critical importance of avoiding dynamic code execution with untrusted data in application development practices. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of why security-by-design principles must be implemented early in the software development lifecycle, and why static code analysis tools should be employed to identify similar patterns across codebases. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution even if similar vulnerabilities are discovered in the future.