CVE-2019-9081 in Laravel
Summary
by MITRE
The Illuminate component of Laravel Framework 5.7.x has a deserialization vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution if the content is controllable, related to the __destruct method of the PendingCommand class in PendingCommand.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2020
The CVE-2019-9081 vulnerability represents a critical deserialization flaw within the Laravel Framework's Illuminate component that specifically affects version 5.7.x releases. This vulnerability resides in the PendingCommand class and exploits the __destruct magic method, creating a pathway for remote code execution when attacker-controlled content is processed. The flaw demonstrates the dangerous implications of insecure object deserialization patterns that have been consistently identified as high-risk vulnerabilities in cybersecurity assessments and vulnerability management frameworks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of serialized objects within the Laravel application's deserialization process. When the PendingCommand class receives untrusted input containing serialized data, the __destruct method automatically executes during object destruction, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the application context. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-502 which categorizes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because Laravel applications often run with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for system integrity and data confidentiality.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9081 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive application data, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The vulnerability's presence in the Laravel framework's core components means that any application utilizing version 5.7.x is at risk, regardless of the specific application logic, as the flaw exists within the framework's foundational deserialization mechanisms. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting languages and T1021.004 for remote services, demonstrating how such vulnerabilities enable attackers to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9081 require immediate application of the official Laravel security patch that addresses the deserialization flaw in the PendingCommand class. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from reaching the deserialization process, while also considering the implementation of object serialization restrictions and secure coding practices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and the principle of least privilege in application design, as recommended by industry standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious deserialization patterns and anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.