CVE-2018-8074 in Yii
Summary
by MITRE
Yii 2.x before 2.0.15 allows remote attackers to inject unintended search conditions via a variant of the CVE-2018-7269 attack in conjunction with the Elasticsearch extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8074 affects the Yii 2 web application framework version 2.0.15 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate search queries through unintended search conditions. This issue specifically impacts applications utilizing the Elasticsearch extension within the Yii 2 framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject unauthorized search parameters that could alter query results or potentially expose sensitive data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the framework's search functionality, particularly when processing user-supplied data through the Elasticsearch integration component.
The technical flaw manifests when the Yii 2 framework processes search parameters that are passed to Elasticsearch without proper filtering or validation of the search conditions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially crafted search queries that leverage the CVE-2018-7269 attack vector, which typically involves manipulating query parameters to inject additional search conditions. This particular vulnerability operates at the intersection of parameter handling and query construction, where user input is not sufficiently sanitized before being passed to the Elasticsearch backend. The flaw allows for the injection of unintended search conditions that can modify the original query logic, potentially enabling attackers to retrieve data they should not have access to or manipulate search results in ways that compromise application integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8074 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform unauthorized data retrieval, modify search results, and potentially gain insights into the underlying data structure and content. Applications using the affected framework version may experience unauthorized access to sensitive information, especially in environments where Elasticsearch is used for search functionality and user data is exposed through search interfaces. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on Elasticsearch for search capabilities, including e-commerce platforms, content management systems, and any application where search functionality is critical to user experience. The risk is amplified when applications do not implement additional security measures to validate or sanitize search parameters beyond the framework's built-in mechanisms.
Organizations utilizing Yii 2 framework versions prior to 2.0.15 should immediately implement the available patch that addresses this vulnerability, as the fix typically involves strengthening input validation and sanitization processes within the Elasticsearch extension. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of their applications to identify any custom implementations that might be vulnerable to similar injection attacks, particularly in areas where user input is processed through database or search interfaces. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper parameter validation, using prepared statements or parameterized queries, and ensuring that search functionality properly filters and sanitizes all user-supplied input before processing. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious search patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which covers "Improper Control of Generation of Code," and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, highlighting the need for robust input validation and secure coding practices throughout the application development lifecycle.