The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has included a critical deserialization vulnerability affecting Sitecore CMS and Experience Platform (XP).
This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2019-9874, allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating HTTP POST parameters, specifically the __CSRFTOKEN field.
The vulnerability exploits a weakness in the Sitecore.Security.AntiCSRF module, enabling malicious actors to send maliciously crafted serialized .NET objects.
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CVE-2019-9874: Deserialization Vulnerability
CVE-2019-9874 is aligned with the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry CWE-502, which pertains to deserialization of untrusted data.
Deserialization vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can allow attackers to perform complex operations on the affected system without having to authenticate first.
In this case, by sending a specially crafted HTTP POST request, attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code on systems running Sitecore CMS and XP versions that have not been patched or mitigated.
Despite being identified several years ago, this vulnerability has recently gained attention from CISA, highlighting ongoing concerns about its potential exploitation in active attacks.
While there is no confirmed evidence of its use in ransomware campaigns to date, the inclusion on CISA’s exploited list underscores the potential for malicious actors to leverage it in future attacks.
Recommendations for Mitigation
In response to this vulnerability, CISA and security experts recommend taking immediate action to protect affected systems:
- Apply Vendor Mitigations: Ensure that all systems are updated with the latest patches and follow vendor guidance for secure configuration.
- Follow Applicable Guidelines: For cloud services, adhere to the Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, which outlines best practices for securing cloud environments.
- Discontinue Unsecured Use: If mitigations are not available or cannot be applied in a timely manner, consider discontinuing the use of the product to prevent exploitation.
The deadline for addressing this vulnerability has been set for April 16, 2025, emphasizing the need for prompt action to secure systems.
Organizations relying on Sitecore CMS and Experience Platform (XP) must act swiftly to protect against potential attacks and prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.
This development serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and following best practices in cybersecurity, particularly for platforms that handle critical data or services.
As cybersecurity threats evolve, staying informed about known vulnerabilities and taking proactive measures is crucial for safeguarding digital assets.
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