Description
Kanboard is project management software that focuses on the Kanban methodology. Prior to version 1.2.47, an unsafe deserialization vulnerability in the ProjectEventActvityFormatter allows admin users the ability to instantiate arbitrary php objects by modifying the event["data"] field in the project_activities table. A malicious actor can update this field to use a php gadget to write a web shell into the /plugins folder, which then gives remote code execution on the host system. This issue has been patched in version 1.2.47.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-24264
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description:
The vulnerability in Kanboard, a project management software, involves an unsafe deserialization issue in the ProjectEventActvityFormatter class. This flaw allows admin users to instantiate arbitrary PHP objects by manipulating the event["data"] field in the project_activities table. This can lead to remote code execution (RCE) by writing a web shell into the /plugins folder.
Severity Evaluation:
The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) base score of 9.1 indicates a critical vulnerability. The scoring vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H breaks down as follows:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal complexity.
- Privileges Required (PR): High (H) - The attacker needs high privileges (admin access).
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Scope (S): Changed (C) - The vulnerability affects a different security scope.
- Confidentiality (C), Integrity (I), Availability (A): High (H) - All three security properties are highly impacted.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Admin Privilege Abuse: An attacker with admin privileges can manipulate the
event["data"]field to inject malicious PHP objects. - Remote Code Execution (RCE): By exploiting the unsafe deserialization, an attacker can write a web shell into the
/pluginsfolder, leading to RCE.
Exploitation Methods:
- Deserialization Exploit: The attacker can craft a serialized PHP object that, when deserialized, executes arbitrary code.
- Web Shell Deployment: The attacker can use the deserialization vulnerability to write a web shell, allowing for persistent access and further exploitation.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Kanboard project management software versions prior to 1.2.47.
Software Versions:
- All versions of Kanboard before 1.2.47 are vulnerable.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade: Immediately upgrade to Kanboard version 1.2.47 or later.
- Patch Management: Ensure that all software dependencies are up to date and patched.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Access Control: Implement strict access controls to limit admin privileges.
- Monitoring: Deploy monitoring tools to detect unusual activity, especially in the
/pluginsfolder. - Code Review: Conduct regular code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Security Training: Provide training for developers and administrators on secure coding practices and vulnerability management.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Impact Analysis:
- Widespread Use: Kanboard is widely used in various industries, making this vulnerability a significant risk.
- Critical Infrastructure: Organizations using Kanboard for critical project management could face severe disruptions and data breaches.
- Compliance: Non-compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) could result in legal and financial penalties.
Regulatory Implications:
- GDPR Compliance: Organizations must ensure that they comply with GDPR by protecting personal data and reporting breaches promptly.
- ENISA Guidelines: Follow ENISA guidelines for vulnerability management and incident response.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Location: The vulnerability is located in the
ProjectActivityEventFormatter.phpfile, specifically in lines 43-57. - Exploit Mechanism: The
event["data"]field in theproject_activitiestable is deserialized without proper validation, allowing for object injection.
Code Snippet (Vulnerable Section):
// Example of vulnerable code (lines 43-57)
$eventData = unserialize($event['data']);
// Further processing of $eventData
Patch Details:
- Fix: The patch in version 1.2.47 ensures that the deserialization process is secure, preventing arbitrary object instantiation.
- Commit Reference: GitHub Commit
References:
- Advisory: GitHub Security Advisory
- Source Code: ProjectActivityEventFormatter.php
Conclusion: This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular updates. Organizations using Kanboard should prioritize upgrading to the patched version and implement robust security measures to mitigate similar risks in the future.