CVE-2019-8091 in Magento
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Magento 1 prior to 1.9.4.3 and 1.14.4.3. An authenticated admin user with privileges to access product attributes can leverage layout updates to trigger remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Magento 1 e-commerce platforms that affects versions prior to 1.9.4.3 and 1.14.4.3. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the product attribute management functionality, specifically when processing layout updates. The vulnerability requires an authenticated administrative user with product attribute access privileges, making it less likely to be exploited by casual attackers but still highly dangerous in compromised environments where attackers have administrative access. The flaw exists in the way Magento processes XML layout updates that are used to define product page structures, allowing maliciously crafted XML content to be executed as code when parsed by the application.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of product attribute data where attackers can inject malicious XML code into layout update fields. This XML injection bypasses normal security controls because the application does not properly sanitize or validate the content before processing it as part of the layout rendering system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to CWE-74 which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')." The attack vector requires an authenticated session with administrative privileges, but once exploited, the attacker gains complete control over the affected Magento instance. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to completely compromise the Magento installation and potentially access sensitive customer data, payment information, and business-critical data. The vulnerability can be exploited to install backdoors, modify product catalogs, alter pricing, or redirect customers to malicious sites. Organizations using affected Magento versions face significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in industries subject to payment card industry data security standards. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack paths including session hijacking, credential theft, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities that might grant administrative access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078 for "Valid Accounts" since it requires legitimate administrative credentials to exploit effectively.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Magento installations to versions 1.9.4.3 or 1.14.4.3 which contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit administrative access to only essential personnel. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious administrative activities, particularly around product attribute modifications. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, disabling unnecessary administrative features, and conducting regular security assessments. Security teams should monitor for unusual XML content in product attribute fields and implement automated scanning for similar vulnerabilities in other components of the Magento platform. Regular security training for administrators should emphasize the importance of credential protection and the risks associated with privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, particularly for e-commerce platforms handling sensitive transactional data.