CVE-2019-19230 in Release Automation
Summary
by MITRE
An unsafe deserialization vulnerability exists in CA Release Automation (Nolio) 6.6 with the DataManagement component that can allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19230 represents a critical unsafe deserialization flaw within CA Release Automation version 6.6, specifically affecting the DataManagement component. This issue arises from the application's improper handling of serialized data structures during the deserialization process, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable system, trigger arbitrary code execution on the target server. Such a flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected environment, as it allows unauthorized actors to gain control over the system without requiring valid credentials or prior access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses unsafe deserialization in software systems. The flaw occurs when the DataManagement component processes untrusted input data that has been serialized in a format such as java serialized objects or similar binary formats. When the application attempts to deserialize this malicious input, it executes code contained within the serialized data structure rather than simply processing the data as intended. This behavior creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that an attacker can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where such systems may be exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-19230 extends far beyond simple data corruption or service disruption. Organizations running affected versions of CA Release Automation face significant risks including complete system compromise, data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install malware, modify critical system configurations, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other network resources. The attack surface is further expanded due to the nature of release automation tools which often operate with elevated privileges and have access to sensitive deployment environments. From an attack chain perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can potentially establish persistence and maintain access through the executed code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19230 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates. Organizations must ensure they are running patched versions of CA Release Automation that address the unsafe deserialization issue in the DataManagement component. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable component to untrusted networks or users. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened to prevent processing of untrusted serialized data, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual deserialization activities. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of unsafe deserialization within their environment and implement secure coding practices that prevent similar issues in future development. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege enforcement and regular security testing of enterprise automation platforms to prevent exploitation of such critical flaws.