CVE-2015-4335 in Redis
Summary
by MITRE
Redis before 2.8.1 and 3.x before 3.0.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Lua bytecode via the eval command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
Redis is an in-memory data structure store commonly used as a database, cache, and message broker in modern applications. The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-4335 represents a critical security flaw in Redis versions prior to 2.8.1 and 3.x versions before 3.0.2 that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through the eval command. This vulnerability exists because Redis permitted untrusted Lua bytecode execution without proper input validation or sanitization mechanisms. The eval command in Redis enables users to execute Lua scripts directly within the Redis server process, which is a powerful feature for complex operations but becomes dangerous when input validation is insufficient. When an attacker can manipulate the Lua script passed to the eval command, they can inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the Redis process. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes weaknesses in the code that allow arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it exploitable by any remote attacker who can connect to the Redis service. The operational impact is severe as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in Redis databases, potentially leading to broader system infiltration. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting languages, specifically targeting the execution of malicious Lua code through Redis. Organizations using Redis should immediately update to versions 2.8.1 or 3.0.2 and later to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing proper network segmentation to restrict Redis access, enabling authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for unusual eval command usage patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and the potential risks associated with allowing interpreted code execution in database systems. Redis administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as firewall rules, access control lists, and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized access to Redis instances. This vulnerability demonstrates how powerful database features can become security risks when not properly secured and validated, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security practices in database management systems.