CVE-2020-10131 in SearchBlox
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
SearchBlox before Version 9.2.1 is vulnerable to CSV macro injection in "Featured Results" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2020-10131 affects SearchBlox versions prior to 9.2.1 and represents a critical security flaw in the handling of CSV data within the "Featured Results" parameter. This issue falls under the category of macro injection attacks, which exploit the way applications process comma-separated values to execute unintended code or commands. The vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms that govern how featured search results are configured and processed within the SearchBlox platform, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to compromise the system.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied CSV data when it is processed through the featured results functionality. When administrators or users input CSV-formatted data containing malicious macro sequences, the system fails to properly validate or escape these inputs before they are processed or stored. This allows attackers to inject harmful code that can be executed when the CSV data is later parsed or rendered within the application's interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the data ingestion level, where malicious inputs can be introduced through seemingly legitimate administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can potentially execute arbitrary code on the SearchBlox server, leading to full system compromise. This represents a significant risk for organizations that rely on SearchBlox for enterprise search functionality, as the attack vector could be exploited through web-based interfaces or API endpoints that handle featured results configuration. The implications include potential data exfiltration, system lateral movement, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the search infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to SearchBlox version 9.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected system, while input validation should be strengthened across all CSV data handling components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous CSV data patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which addresses the improper neutralization of data within CSV files, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for execution through command and scripting interpreter with macros. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through data processing components in their search infrastructure.