CVE-2014-8791 in Tuleap
Summary
by MITRE
project/register.php in Tuleap before 7.7, when sys_create_project_in_one_step is disabled, allows remote authenticated users to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via the data parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8791 affects Tuleap versions prior to 7.7, specifically targeting the project registration functionality. This issue arises within the project/register.php component where the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters. The flaw becomes particularly dangerous when the sys_create_project_in_one_step configuration option is disabled, creating a scenario where authenticated users can manipulate the data parameter to inject malicious PHP objects. This vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that directly violates the principle of input validation and sanitization, which is fundamental to preventing code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through PHP object injection techniques where attackers can craft malicious serialized objects within the data parameter. When the application processes these objects without proper validation, the unserialize() function executes the malicious code contained within the serialized data structure. This type of attack falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a common vector for remote code execution in web applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users with legitimate credentials can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized control over the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the entire Tuleap environment. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established within the application. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, modify project configurations, access sensitive user data, or even use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP, which describes the use of PHP code execution capabilities to achieve system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8791 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Tuleap installations to version 7.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of serialized data and disabling unnecessary object deserialization capabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in API calls related to project creation. Additionally, security configuration reviews should ensure that system parameters like sys_create_project_in_one_step are properly configured according to organizational security policies, and that authentication controls remain robust to prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions.