CVE-2017-14141 in Kaltura
Summary
by MITRE
The wiki_decode Developer System Helper function in the admin panel in Kaltura before 13.2.0 allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted serialized object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14141 represents a critical security flaw in the Kaltura media platform's administrative interface, specifically within the wiki_decode Developer System Helper function. This issue affects versions prior to 13.2.0 and exposes the system to remote code execution through PHP object injection attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the admin panel's helper functions, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to manipulate serialized PHP objects.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious serialized object that gets processed by the wiki_decode function without proper security checks. When the system attempts to deserialize this object, it triggers unintended PHP object behavior that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw exists because the application fails to implement proper object validation before deserializing user-supplied data, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute within the application's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with full control over the affected Kaltura system. An attacker could execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects the administrative panel specifically, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive system configurations. This represents a critical risk for organizations relying on Kaltura for media management, as the attack vector requires no authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is not properly restricted.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14141 should focus on immediate remediation through upgrading to Kaltura version 13.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary security patches. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, enforce strict input validation on all user-supplied data, and monitor for suspicious deserialization activities. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary administrative functions, implementing web application firewalls to detect malicious payloads, and conducting regular security assessments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around object serialization and deserialization, particularly in administrative interfaces where the attack surface is already elevated due to privileged access requirements.