CVE-2015-7577 in Ruby on Rails
Summary
by MITRE
activerecord/lib/active_record/nested_attributes.rb in Active Record in Ruby on Rails 3.1.x and 3.2.x before 3.2.22.1, 4.0.x and 4.1.x before 4.1.14.1, 4.2.x before 4.2.5.1, and 5.x before 5.0.0.beta1.1 does not properly implement a certain destroy option, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended change restrictions by leveraging use of the nested attributes feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7577 resides within the Active Record component of Ruby on Rails, specifically in the nested_attributes.rb file that handles nested attribute assignments. This flaw affects multiple versions of the Ruby on Rails framework including 3.1.x and 3.2.x before 3.2.22.1, 4.0.x and 4.1.x before 4.1.14.1, 4.2.x before 4.2.5.1, and 5.x before 5.0.0.beta1.1. The issue stems from improper implementation of the destroy option within the nested attributes functionality, creating a security bypass mechanism that allows unauthorized modifications to data structures.
The technical flaw manifests when developers utilize the nested attributes feature in Rails applications, particularly when implementing forms that allow users to create, update, or delete associated records through parent objects. The vulnerability occurs because the framework fails to properly validate and restrict destructive operations when nested attributes are processed, enabling attackers to circumvent intended access controls and modification restrictions. This weakness is categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to insufficient checks during attribute assignment processes. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate framework features to achieve unauthorized actions, making detection more challenging.
Operationally, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized data modifications by exploiting the nested attributes functionality to bypass change restrictions that should normally prevent such operations. Attackers can manipulate nested attribute parameters to trigger destructive actions on associated records, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized deletions, or modification of protected resources. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data leakage, or complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities. This represents a significant concern for web applications that rely heavily on nested forms and complex data relationships, as the attack surface expands beyond typical input validation concerns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7577 require immediate application of available security patches and updates to affected Ruby on Rails versions. Organizations should upgrade to the patched versions including Rails 3.2.22.1, 4.1.14.1, 4.2.5.1, and 5.0.0.beta1.1 to address the specific implementation flaw in nested attributes handling. Additionally, developers should implement explicit validation controls and access restrictions on nested attribute assignments, particularly when dealing with sensitive data modifications. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on nested attributes usage and consider implementing additional layers of validation beyond the framework's default behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and access control enforcement in web application frameworks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.