CVE-2019-7609 in Kibana
Summary
by MITRE
Kibana versions before 5.6.15 and 6.6.1 contain an arbitrary code execution flaw in the Timelion visualizer. An attacker with access to the Timelion application could send a request that will attempt to execute javascript code. This could possibly lead to an attacker executing arbitrary commands with permissions of the Kibana process on the host system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7609 represents a critical arbitrary code execution flaw within the Kibana visualization platform that affects versions prior to 5.6.15 and 6.6.1. This security weakness resides within the Timelion visualizer component, which is designed to enable users to create time-based visualizations and charts using a specialized query language. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted requests to bypass security controls and execute unauthorized JavaScript code within the Kibana environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." The vulnerability occurs when the Timelion visualizer processes user input without adequate sanitization, creating an environment where an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code that gets executed within the context of the Kibana process. This code injection vulnerability allows attackers to leverage the privileges of the Kibana service account, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying host system with the same permissions as the Kibana process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve complete system compromise when they gain access to the Timelion application. An attacker who can submit malicious requests to the Timelion visualizer can potentially escalate their privileges to the level of the Kibana service account, which may have elevated system permissions depending on how the Kibana instance is configured. This could lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, system reconnaissance, and ultimately full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate user interfaces, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected while executing malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7609 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Kibana, specifically versions 5.6.15 and 6.6.1 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation to restrict access to Kibana interfaces and limit the attack surface by ensuring only authorized users can access the Timelion visualizer component. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation controls, enabling authentication and authorization mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious requests to the Timelion endpoints. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations that cannot immediately upgrade should consider disabling the Timelion visualizer component entirely or implementing strict access controls and user permissions to limit the potential impact of this vulnerability.