CVE-2023-47130 in yii
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2023
Yii is an open source PHP web framework. yiisoft/yii before version 1.1.29 are vulnerable to Remote Code Execution (RCE) if the application calls `unserialize()` on arbitrary user input. An attacker may leverage this vulnerability to compromise the host system. A fix has been developed for the 1.1.29 release. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47130 affects the Yii PHP web framework version 1.1.29 and earlier, presenting a critical remote code execution risk that stems from improper handling of user input through the unserialize() function. This flaw exists within the framework's core functionality where applications may inadvertently process untrusted data through the unserialize() method, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host system. The vulnerability specifically impacts applications that utilize the yiisoft/yii framework version 1.1.28 or earlier, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining legacy systems that have not yet been updated to the patched release.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an application calls the unserialize() function on user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization. This creates a path for attackers to craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the unserialize() function, trigger unintended code execution. The flaw operates under CWE-502 which categorizes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness, where the act of deserializing data from untrusted sources can lead to arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by constructing specially crafted serialized payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable framework, result in remote code execution on the target system, potentially allowing full compromise of the hosting environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the host system and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. Organizations running affected versions of the Yii framework face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication or specialized privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process user input through the framework's serialization mechanisms. The lack of known workarounds means that organizations must prioritize immediate remediation to protect their systems from potential exploitation.
Security practitioners should prioritize the immediate upgrade to Yii framework version 1.1.29 or later, as this represents the official fix for the vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated framework to ensure compatibility with existing applications, while also implementing comprehensive monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their application code to identify any instances where unserialize() might be called with untrusted input, and implement proper input validation and sanitization measures. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services, and represents a classic example of how deserialization vulnerabilities can be leveraged for system compromise, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and regular security updates in maintaining application security posture.