CVE-2019-7609 is a critical vulnerability affecting Elastic Kibana, specifically in versions before 5.6.15 and 6.6.1. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution through the Timelion visualizer. An attacker with access to the Timelion application could send a request that attempts to execute JavaScript code, leading to the execution of arbitrary commands with the permissions of the Kibana process on the host system. With a CVSS score of 10, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to organizations using affected versions of Kibana.
The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its high potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or disrupt service availability. Organizations must prioritize remediation efforts to mitigate the risk associated with this flaw.
This critical vulnerability was published on March 25, 2019, and affects multiple components, including Kibana and OpenShift Container Platform versions 3.11 and 4.1. Organizations are urged to apply the necessary updates immediately to protect their systems from potential exploitation.
Given the nature of this vulnerability and its inclusion in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should take immediate action to patch their installations of Kibana. Failure to do so could result in significant security breaches and operational disruptions.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2019-7609 vulnerability is characterized as an arbitrary code execution flaw in the Timelion visualizer of Kibana. The vulnerability allows attackers to send crafted requests that can execute arbitrary JavaScript code. The risk is particularly high because the code executes with the permissions of the Kibana process on the host system.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 10, indicating a critical severity level. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, requiring no privileges or user interaction. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated as high.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which pertains to Code Injection. Organizations using Kibana versions prior to 5.6.15 and 6.6.1 are strongly advised to update their systems.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Timelion visualizer's handling of user input, which allows for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted requests that the Timelion application processes.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker could exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network. The complexity of the attack is low, as it does not require any special privileges or user interaction to execute. The potential impacts of this vulnerability are severe, as it can result in unauthorized command execution, leading to data breaches or service disruptions.
In terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, the impacts are rated high. An attacker could gain access to sensitive information, alter data, or disrupt service operations.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2019-7609 is significant. Organizations deploying vulnerable versions of Kibana face exposure to remote code execution attacks. The potential for attackers to execute arbitrary commands poses a serious threat to the confidentiality of sensitive data, the integrity of critical systems, and the overall availability of services.
Given the high CVSS score and the fact that this vulnerability is actively tracked in the KEV catalog, organizations must assess their risk posture and prioritize remediation. The blast radius for this vulnerability is extensive, affecting not only the Kibana instance but potentially other systems and services connected to it.
Organizations should address this vulnerability urgently, considering its critical nature and the potential for widespread exploitation. Immediate action is necessary to protect against such threats.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include all Kibana versions prior to 5.6.15 and 6.6.1. Additionally, the OpenShift Container Platform versions 3.11 and 4.1 are also vulnerable. Organizations should ensure that they are running patched versions to mitigate the risks from this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate CVE-2019-7609. The recommended versions to upgrade to are 5.6.15 or 6.6.1 or later. If a patch is not immediately available, organizations should consider implementing workarounds, such as restricting access to the Timelion visualizer. Configuration hardening and network controls should also be evaluated to reduce exposure.
For further guidance, organizations can refer to security resources such as the penetration testing best practices to enhance their security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor log indicators for unusual requests targeting the Timelion visualizer. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected JavaScript execution, should also be investigated. Additionally, network signatures related to this vulnerability can help identify malicious activity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2019-7609 lies in its demonstration of vulnerabilities in widely used applications like Kibana. This incident highlights the ongoing need for robust security practices and the importance of timely updates. Security teams can learn from this vulnerability to improve their defensive strategies against similar threats in the future.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt continuous security measures, such as regular penetration testing, to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Additionally, leveraging threat intelligence services can provide insights into emerging vulnerabilities and attack patterns, helping organizations stay ahead of potential exploitation.
For further reading on vulnerability management best practices, organizations may refer to the vulnerability management program guidelines to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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