CVE-2021-41144 in Magento
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
OpenMage LTS is an e-commerce platform. Prior to versions 19.4.22 and 20.0.19, a layout block was able to bypass the block blacklist to execute remote code. Versions 19.4.22 and 20.0.19 contain a patch for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2021-41144 affects OpenMage LTS, a widely used open-source e-commerce platform that serves as a fork of Magento 1.x. This security flaw represents a critical bypass of the platform's security controls, specifically targeting the layout block rendering mechanism that governs how HTML content is generated and displayed within the application's user interface. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 19.4.22 and 20.0.19, making a substantial portion of the OpenMage user base susceptible to potential exploitation. The flaw allows malicious actors to circumvent the built-in block blacklist functionality that is designed to prevent execution of unauthorized code blocks within the platform's template rendering system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a flaw in the layout block processing logic where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that determine which blocks can be rendered within the application's interface. This bypass mechanism enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code through the layout rendering process, effectively allowing remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the platform's legitimate block rendering functionality to execute malicious payloads, making detection particularly challenging. The attack vector typically involves manipulating layout XML configuration files or parameters that control block instantiation, exploiting the insufficient validation that occurs during the block processing phase.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-41144 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with full remote code execution capabilities on affected OpenMage installations. This allows threat actors to gain complete control over the affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement of e-commerce sites, injection of malicious content, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of e-commerce platforms, making it particularly dangerous for businesses handling sensitive customer data, payment information, and proprietary business data. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of financial loss, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can potentially compromise entire e-commerce infrastructures without requiring authentication, making it a high-priority security concern for all OpenMage users.
The remediation for CVE-2021-41144 requires immediate deployment of patches provided in versions 19.4.22 and 20.0.19 of OpenMage LTS. These updates implement proper input validation and enhanced block rendering controls that prevent the bypass of the block blacklist mechanism. Security teams should prioritize patching operations while implementing additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes weaknesses in the code that allow for the execution of arbitrary code, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through web applications. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their OpenMage installations to ensure complete remediation and implement proper security monitoring to detect similar vulnerabilities in other components of their e-commerce infrastructure.