CVE-2019-8159 in Magento
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Magento 2.2 prior to 2.2.10, Magento 2.3 prior to 2.3.3 or 2.3.2-p1. An authenticated user with system data manipulation privileges can execute aribitrary code through arbitrary file deletion and OS command injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Magento e-commerce platforms that affects multiple version ranges including Magento 2.2 prior to 2.2.10 and Magento 2.3 prior to 2.3.3 or 2.3.2-p1. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls that allow authenticated users with system data manipulation privileges to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system. The flaw specifically leverages the ability to perform arbitrary file deletion combined with OS command injection techniques, creating a dangerous combination that can be exploited by malicious actors who have gained access to a system with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a combination of file system manipulation and command execution capabilities that bypass normal security boundaries within the Magento framework. An attacker with system data manipulation privileges can exploit this weakness to delete critical system files and then inject OS commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a pathway for full system compromise, as the web server typically runs with elevated privileges to perform necessary operations such as file uploads, database interactions, and system maintenance tasks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories from the Common Weakness Enumeration, specifically addressing command injection and arbitrary file deletion flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to e-commerce organizations that rely on Magento platforms for their business operations. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that attackers can potentially gain complete control over affected systems, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and financial losses. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Magento platform and can be exploited to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive customer data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the organization's network infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage if customer data is compromised through this vulnerability.
The attack vector requires an authenticated user with system data manipulation privileges, which means that organizations must implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit the potential impact of this vulnerability. Security best practices recommend implementing principle of least privilege, regular privilege reviews, and monitoring for suspicious file system activities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection and T1486 for data encryption for ransom. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to protect against this class of vulnerability, as the affected versions were patched in subsequent releases. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that their systems are properly configured to prevent unauthorized access to system manipulation functions.