CVE-2019-14965 in Frappe
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Frappe Framework 10 through 12 before 12.0.4. A server side template injection (SSTI) issue exists.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-14965 represents a critical server-side template injection flaw within the Frappe Framework version 10 through 12 before 12.0.4. This issue exposes applications built on the Frappe platform to potential remote code execution attacks, making it a severe security concern for organizations relying on this framework for their business applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the template processing mechanisms that are fundamental to how Frappe handles dynamic content generation. According to CWE-94, this vulnerability maps directly to improper control of generation of code, as the framework fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data that gets processed through template engines. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Frappe Framework is widely used for building enterprise applications including ERPNext, which serves as a cornerstone for business operations across numerous organizations globally.
The technical exploitation of this SSTI vulnerability occurs when user input is directly passed into template rendering functions without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable template engine, execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the Frappe application. This typically involves injecting template syntax or code fragments that bypass the normal template processing flow and get interpreted as executable instructions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure. The issue manifests when applications using Frappe Framework process user-provided data through template systems without adequate validation, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed server-side.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. Organizations running affected versions of Frappe Framework face significant risks including complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who seek to gain unauthorized access to business-critical systems. The affected applications often handle sensitive business data, financial records, and operational information, making successful exploitation a severe security incident. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when exploited by attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within the compromised environment. The risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations may not immediately discover such vulnerabilities, allowing attackers extended periods of undetected access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14965 require immediate action to upgrade affected systems to Frappe Framework version 12.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the template injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures across all template processing functions, ensuring that user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in templates. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in custom applications built on the Frappe platform. The implementation of web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous template processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect through conventional security scanning tools due to its indirect nature of exploitation.