CVE-2014-7235 in FreePBX
Summary
by MITRE
htdocs_ari/includes/login.php in the ARI Framework module/Asterisk Recording Interface (ARI) in FreePBX before 2.9.0.9, 2.10.x, and 2.11 before 2.11.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the ari_auth coockie, related to the PHP unserialize function, as exploited in the wild in September 2014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The CVE-2014-7235 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the FreePBX ARI Framework module, specifically within the htdocs_ari/includes/login.php component. This vulnerability emerged as a significant security weakness in telephony systems that utilize the Asterisk Recording Interface, which is widely deployed in enterprise communication environments. The flaw resides in how the application processes authentication cookies, particularly the ari_auth cookie, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to voice communication infrastructures. The vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during September 2014, demonstrating its real-world impact and the urgency of addressing such flaws in mission-critical telephony systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and unsafe handling of serialized data within the PHP application. The flaw occurs when the application utilizes the PHP unserialize function on user-controllable data from the ari_auth cookie without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates a classic deserialization vulnerability where attacker-controlled data can be manipulated to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which categorizes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness, and represents a variant of the broader class of insecure deserialization flaws that have plagued web applications for years. The attack vector leverages the fact that the PHP unserialize function processes serialized objects in a way that can trigger object instantiation and method calls, potentially leading to remote code execution when malicious payloads are embedded within the serialized data structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7235 extends far beyond typical web application vulnerabilities, particularly given the critical nature of telephony infrastructure in enterprise environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full control over the affected FreePBX system, potentially enabling them to monitor voice communications, manipulate call routing, access sensitive customer data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of FreePBX, creating widespread exposure across organizations that had not yet applied security patches. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for PHP code execution and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to establish persistent access and move laterally within network environments. Organizations running telephony systems were particularly vulnerable as these systems often contain sensitive information and may serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-7235 requires immediate patching of affected FreePBX installations to versions 2.9.0.9, 2.10.x, and 2.11.1.5 or later, which address the deserialization vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization of serialized data. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to telephony systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough audits of all PHP applications handling user-controllable serialized data, implementing proper input validation and using safe deserialization practices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly focusing on preventing deserialization attacks and ensuring proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious cookie values that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the widespread nature of this vulnerability in telephony environments, system administrators must prioritize patch management and security monitoring to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of voice communication systems.