External risk intelligence

Remote Code Execution in Mongo-Express Affects Data Integrity

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-10758

A remote code execution vulnerability affects a tool used to manage MongoDB databases. This flaw allows unauthorized actors to execute commands, potentially compromising systems and sensitive data. The realistic business risk involves unauthorized access and control over critical infrastructure and information.

4Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Mongo Express Project Mongo Express

before 0.54.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-10758

mongo-express is a web-based administrative interface for MongoDB. Such administrative management tools are commonly deployed as network-accessible web applications to facilitate remote database management, placing them in a position where they are frequently reachable via internal or edge network segments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists in a component used for managing MongoDB databases. This flaw could permit unauthorized actors to execute commands remotely. The potential impact includes the compromise of systems and sensitive data.

Vulnerable database management tool
Flaw allows remote command execution
Business risk of system and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Exploitation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the affected application. This is achieved by sending specially crafted requests to specific application endpoints. Successful exploitation can lead to a complete compromise of the affected system, enabling the attacker to gain unauthorized control and potentially access or modify sensitive data.

Exposed to the network.
Unauthenticated attacker sends malicious request.
Attacker gains remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for remote code execution. Attackers with a low skill level could exploit this flaw, allowing them to take control of affected systems. The implications for business operations and data integrity are severe, necessitating immediate attention.

Likely attacker skill level: Low
Required access or conditions: Unauthenticated network access
Business risk or urgency: Critical

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow an unauthorized actor to execute arbitrary code, impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. It presents a significant business risk due to the potential for system compromise and unauthorized data access. Organizations should prioritize addressing this issue to protect their operational stability and sensitive information.

Identify exposed instances of the affected software.
Limit network access to the software.
Update to a non-vulnerable version and confirm the fix.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the security flaw in mongo-express versions prior to 0.54.0?

The security flaw, identified as CVE-2019-10758, resides in mongo-express versions before 0.54.0. It enables remote code execution through specific endpoints that utilize the `toBSON` method. This is due to an unsafe use of the `vm` dependency, which can be exploited to run commands without proper security measures.

How does the 'toBSON' method misuse lead to remote code execution in mongo-express?

The vulnerability arises from mongo-express's misuse of the `vm` dependency. This dependency, when not used in a safe environment, allows for the execution of arbitrary code. By sending specially crafted requests to endpoints that process data using `toBSON`, an attacker can trigger this unsafe execution, leading to remote code execution on the server.

What is the trigger path for exploiting the mongo-express vulnerability, and is there scope negation?

The trigger path for this vulnerability involves sending specially crafted requests to specific endpoints within mongo-express that use the `toBSON` method. The `vm` dependency's unsafe execution capabilities are leveraged. There is no explicit mention of scope negation in the provided details, implying that successful exploitation could affect the entire system accessible by the application.

Why is CVE-2019-10758 considered a critical vulnerability with significant relevance, especially concerning the Halo Surface Signal?

CVE-2019-10758 is rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.9. The Halo Surface Signal indicates a 'Likely' exploitation risk because mongo-express, as a web-based administrative interface for MongoDB, is often deployed as a network-accessible application. This makes it reachable via internal or edge network segments, increasing its exposure to potential attackers. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands remotely.

What practical steps should organizations take to address the mongo-express remote code execution vulnerability?

Organizations should first identify all instances of the affected mongo-express software, especially those exposed to the network. It is crucial to limit network access to these instances as a immediate containment measure. The most effective response is to update mongo-express to a version that is not vulnerable (i.e., version 0.54.0 or later) and then confirm that the fix has been successfully applied.

References

www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE…

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.