CVE-2019-9875 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Sitecore CMS, specifically affecting the anti CSRF module. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending a serialized .NET object in an HTTP POST parameter. The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high level of risk, particularly because exploitation may lead to significant security breaches.
Organizations using Sitecore versions prior to 9.1 are at risk. This vulnerability highlights the importance of managing serialized data securely. Attackers may leverage this flaw to compromise systems, making immediate action essential.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and full system compromise. Given its high CVSS score and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability was published on May 31, 2019, and has since been analyzed and included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. This inclusion emphasizes the urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability in their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that this vulnerability allows deserialization of untrusted data in the anti CSRF module in Sitecore through version 9.1. The vulnerability type is classified as deserialization issues, categorized under CWE-502.
The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high severity level, implying a high likelihood of exploitation with significant consequences. The affected product is Sitecore CMS, and the vulnerability was disclosed on May 31, 2019.
Technical Analysis
Root cause analysis indicates that the vulnerability arises from improper handling of serialized data, particularly through the Sitecore.Security.AntiCSRF module. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, making it accessible to potential attackers without physical access to the affected system.
The attack complexity is categorized as low, which means that exploitation can be performed easily by an attacker with basic skills. Privileges required for exploitation are also low, as only authenticated access is necessary. User interaction is not required, allowing for automated exploitation.
The potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all assessed as high. This implies that successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches, system downtime, and loss of data integrity.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing Sitecore CMS should understand the real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability. With the potential for an attacker to execute arbitrary code, the blast radius could extend to sensitive data exposure and complete control over affected systems.
The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score and inclusion in the KEV catalog. Organizations should prioritize remediation efforts based on their deployment of Sitecore CMS or any applications relying on this technology.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of Sitecore CMS prior to version 9.1. Organizations are advised to review their deployments to ensure that they are not using vulnerable versions.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2019-9875, organizations should apply the latest patches from Sitecore. Following the vendor's remediation guidelines is crucial. If patching is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing stricter input validation and monitoring HTTP traffic for unusual patterns.
Further information on penetration testing can be found in the context of validation and security best practices. Organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to assess their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activities related to deserialization processes, especially checking for serialized object data in HTTP POST requests. Behavioral anomalies and unexpected application crashes should also be investigated promptly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2019-9875 represents a critical example of vulnerabilities stemming from improper data handling. Security teams should take this as a reminder of the importance of input validation and secure coding practices. The lessons learned from such vulnerabilities should drive organizations to adopt a proactive approach to application security.
For further insights into security best practices, refer to the following resources: penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and API penetration testing guide to better prepare against similar vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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