CVE-2017-9774 in Horde_Image
Summary
by MITRE
Remote Code Execution was found in Horde_Image 2.x before 2.5.0 via a crafted GET request. Exploitation requires authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9774 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Horde_Image 2.x versions prior to 2.5.0. This security weakness resides in the image processing component of the Horde web application framework, which is widely used for email and web application services. The vulnerability specifically manifests through crafted GET requests that can be exploited by authenticated users to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the image processing pipeline, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute harmful code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of image file parameters within the Horde_Image library. When processing image requests, the system fails to adequately validate user-supplied input, particularly in parameters related to image manipulation functions. This allows authenticated users to manipulate the image processing workflow through carefully crafted GET parameters that can trigger code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as a "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and aligns with CWE-94 which covers "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials before exploiting the vulnerability, though this does not mitigate the severity of the potential impact.
From an operational standpoint, the exploitation of CVE-2017-9774 presents significant risks to organizations utilizing affected Horde_Image implementations. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability impacts web applications that rely on Horde_Image for image processing functionality, including email systems, content management platforms, and web portals. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially resulting in complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated session, which means that attackers must first obtain valid user credentials or exploit other authentication bypass mechanisms. However, the impact remains severe as the authenticated user can execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to privilege escalation if the web server process runs with elevated permissions. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Horde_Image version 2.5.0 or later, which contains patches addressing the input validation issues. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for image processing parameters, monitoring for suspicious GET requests, and enforcing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.