Out of Band Code Evaluation (RoR)

Summary #

Invicti identified a Remote Code Evaluation (RoR) by capturing a DNS A request, which occurs when input data is run as code.

An attacker can send a specially crafted XML request to the application containing an embedded YAML-encoded object. Rails will parse the XML and load the objects from YAML. In the process, arbitrary Ruby code sent by the attacker may be executed (depending on the type and structure of the injected objects).

Impact #

An attacker can execute arbitrary Ruby on Rails (RoR) code on the system. The attacker may also be able to execute arbitrary system commands.

Remediation #

Upgrade to version 2.3.15, 3.0.19, 3.1.10, 3.2.11, or higher, to address this vulnerability. Additionally, the vendor has released a patch to address this issue, or users may opt to apply the following temporary workaround.

Disable XML entirely
Remove YAML / Symbol support from XML parsing

Required Skills for Successful Exploitation #

This vulnerability is not difficult to leverage, RoR is a high level language for which there are vast resources available. Successful exploitation requires knowledge of the programming language, access to or the ability to produce source code for use in such attacks and minimal attack skills.

Classifications #

PCI v3.1-6.5.1; PCI v3.2-6.5.1; CAPEC-356; CWE-94; HIPAA-164.306(a), 164.308(a); ISO27001-A.14.2.5; WASC-23; OWASP 2013-A1; OWASP 2017-A1 , CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N/RL:O

Netsparker Security Insights #