PHPEMS: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2023-6654 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in PHPEMS, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected PHPEMS versions: 6.x; 7.x; 8.x, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.67% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 77% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of PHPEMS you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.5 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in PHPEMS 6.x/7.x/8.x/9.0. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality in the library lib/session.cls.php of the component Session Data Handler. The manipulation leads to deserialization. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-247357 was assigned to this vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.247357Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?id.247357Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- note.zhaoj.in/share/jw4Hp9cq7T69Permissions Required
Other vulnerabilities in PHPEMS
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.