Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Smarty Package (CVE-2014-8350)
Summary
CVE-2014-8350: Smarty before 3.1.21 allows remote attackers to bypass the secure mode restrictions and execute arbitrary PHP code as demonstrated by "{literal}" in a template. Affects smarty3 versions < 3.1.21-1. Fixed in 3.1.21-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Smarty is a popular template engine for PHP, designed to facilitate the separation of presentation and logic in web applications. It allows developers to create dynamic web pages with ease, providing features such as caching, template inheritance, and a robust syntax for variable manipulation. However, prior to version 3.1.21, Smarty had a critical vulnerability that allowed attackers to bypass secure mode restrictions, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2014-8350, arises from improper handling of the secure mode in Smarty versions prior to 3.1.21. This flaw permits remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code into templates by exploiting the literal tag. For example, an attacker could use the code snippet '{literal}<{/literal}script language=php>' to execute malicious PHP code on the server. The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or complete server compromise.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.1.21-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade smarty3Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, consider disabling the use of the literal tag in templates until the upgrade can be performed. This can help mitigate the risk of code injection. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be a temporary measure.
Conclusion
CVE-2014-8350 represents a significant security risk for applications using vulnerable versions of the Smarty template engine. Upgrading to version 3.1.21 or later is essential to safeguard against potential remote code execution attacks. Users are encouraged to monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, which can provide real-time alerts without requiring code access.
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FAQ
CVE-2014-8350 is a vulnerability in the Smarty template engine that allows remote code execution due to improper handling of secure mode.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which analyzes your manifest file for vulnerabilities.
The risks include unauthorized access to the server, potential data breaches, and the ability for attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Yes, temporarily disabling the use of the literal tag in templates can help mitigate the risk until an upgrade can be performed.
After upgrading, thoroughly test your application to ensure that all functionalities work as expected and that no new issues have been introduced.
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