CVE-2016-2098 in Ruby on Rails
Summary
by MITRE
Action Pack in Ruby on Rails before 3.2.22.2, 4.x before 4.1.14.2, and 4.2.x before 4.2.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Ruby code by leveraging an application's unrestricted use of the render method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2098 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Ruby on Rails applications that has significant implications for web application security. This vulnerability specifically affects Action Pack, which is the core component responsible for handling HTTP requests and rendering responses in the Rails framework. The flaw exists in versions prior to the specified patches, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can exploit unrestricted use of the render method to execute arbitrary Ruby code on affected servers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle untrusted data passed to rendering functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of user-supplied data within the render method, which is a fundamental function used to generate HTML responses in Rails applications. When applications use the render method without proper validation of input parameters, attackers can inject malicious Ruby code through carefully crafted payloads that get executed within the application context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," as it allows attackers to leverage publicly accessible web applications for code execution. The flaw essentially enables attackers to bypass normal application security controls and execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the vulnerable Rails application.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2098 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides remote attackers with complete control over affected systems. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable Rails applications face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web forms, API endpoints, and parameter manipulation. The vulnerability affects multiple Rails versions simultaneously, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with legacy applications or those that have not yet implemented security updates. This type of vulnerability also impacts compliance with security standards such as pci dss and iso 27001, as it creates exploitable entry points that violate fundamental security principles of input validation and privilege separation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2098 primarily focus on immediate patching and application hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating their Rails applications to the patched versions specified in the advisory, which include 3.2.22.2, 4.1.14.2, and 4.2.5.2. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices can help reduce the attack surface even when patches are not immediately available. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications running affected Rails versions and implement monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, including web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for web application accounts and regularly review their application code for improper use of the render method with untrusted input, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can become a critical security risk when not properly secured.