Elasticsearch Groovy Scripting Engine Remote Code Execution
CVE-2015-1427 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Elasticsearch from Elastic, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 1.3.8, 1.4.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating Elasticsearch to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 25, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Elasticsearch to 1.3.8 or 1.4.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on elasticsearch.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastic | Elasticsearch | before 1.3.8; 1.4.0 up to, but not including, 1.4.3 | 1.3.8, 1.4.3 |
| Red Hat | Fuse | 1.0.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
The Groovy scripting engine in Elasticsearch before 1.3.8 and 1.4.x before 1.4.3 allows remote attackers to bypass the sandbox protection mechanism and execute arbitrary shell commands via a crafted script.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/130368/Elasticsearch-1.3.7-1.4.2-Sandbox-Escape-Command-Execution.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:0868Third Party Advisory
- exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/100850Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2015-1427US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/130784/ElasticSearch-Unauthenticated-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Elasticsearch
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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