CVE-2016-8580 in OSSIM
Summary
by MITRE
PHP object injection vulnerabilities exist in multiple widget files in AlienVault OSSIM and USM before 5.3.2. These vulnerabilities allow arbitrary PHP code execution via magic methods in included classes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The CVE-2016-8580 vulnerability represents a critical PHP object injection flaw affecting AlienVault OSSIM and USM platforms prior to version 5.3.2. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized PHP objects within widget files, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted object data. The flaw specifically exploits the deserialization process where user-controllable input is directly processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious PHP objects that execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability affects multiple widget files, amplifying its impact across various functional components of the AlienVault security platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages PHP's magic methods such as __wakeup, __destruct, and __toString to trigger code execution during object deserialization. When the application includes classes without proper validation of serialized input, attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that, upon being unserialized, execute unintended PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in software libraries. The attack vector typically involves sending malicious data through web forms or API endpoints that process widget configurations, where the serialized object data is directly included and unserialized without proper security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8580 is severe as it provides attackers with full remote code execution capabilities on affected AlienVault systems. This enables unauthorized access to security monitoring data, potential lateral movement within networks, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors. Organizations using AlienVault OSSIM or USM versions before 5.3.2 face significant risk of compromise, particularly in environments where these platforms serve as central security monitoring solutions. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical security operations that depend on the integrity of the AlienVault platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8580 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems to version 5.3.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of serialized data. Organizations should implement strict input validation controls for all user-provided data that may be processed through object serialization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable components, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns in widget processing or object deserialization activities. Security teams should also consider implementing application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to identify and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments of PHP applications should include thorough review of serialization handling and magic method implementations to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom code development.