CVE-2014-8081 in TestLink
Summary
by MITRE
lib/execute/execSetResults.php in TestLink before 1.9.13 allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via the filter_result_result parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8081 affects TestLink versions prior to 1.9.13 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's handling of user input within the executeSetResults component. This issue resides in the lib/execute/execSetResults.php file where improper validation and sanitization of the filter_result_result parameter creates an avenue for remote attackers to perform PHP object injection attacks. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing it within the PHP environment, allowing maliciously crafted input to be serialized and subsequently unserialized, thereby executing arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific attack pattern that aligns with CWE-502, which describes the weakness of deserializing untrusted data. Attackers can construct malicious PHP objects within the filter_result_result parameter that, when processed by the vulnerable application, trigger PHP's unserialize() function. This function then executes the malicious code contained within the serialized object, potentially granting attackers full control over the application server. The attack requires remote access to the vulnerable TestLink instance and can be executed without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible testing environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8081 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to compromise the entire TestLink application infrastructure. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, modify test results, and potentially escalate privileges to gain system-level access. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on TestLink for managing test cases and execution results, as it provides a direct path for attackers to manipulate testing data and potentially compromise the integrity of the entire software testing process. Organizations using TestLink in production environments face significant risks, as this vulnerability can be exploited to undermine test results and potentially introduce malicious code into the software development lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8081 focus on immediate remediation through upgrading to TestLink version 1.9.13 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Security administrators should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to TestLink installations, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing the techniques related to code injection and deserialization attacks. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and ensuring that all input parameters are properly validated and sanitized before processing. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for suspicious activities in TestLink logs to detect potential exploitation attempts.