CVE-2025-27364
Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2025-27364
1. Vulnerability Description:
- Vulnerability: Remote Code Execution (RCE) in MITRE Caldera’s agent compilation functionality.
- Affected Versions: MITRE Caldera through 4.2.0 and 5.0.0 before commit 35bc06e.
- Description: The vulnerability resides in the dynamic agent (implant) compilation process. A malicious actor can craft a web request to the Caldera server API (used for compiling and downloading agents like Sandcat or Manx) to inject arbitrary code. This is achieved by using the
gcc -extldflagslinker flag with sub-commands, which allows the attacker to execute system commands on the Caldera server.
2. Severity:
- CVSS Score: 10.0 (Critical)
- Severity Level: Critical
- Explanation: RCE vulnerabilities allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server. This means a successful exploit could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potentially lateral movement within the network. The score of 10 indicates that it can be remotely exploited with relative ease.
3. Known Exploit:
- Exploit Vector: Crafted web request to the Caldera server API for agent compilation.
- Exploit Details: The attacker leverages the
gcc -extldflagslinker flag within the agent compilation process to inject and execute arbitrary system commands. This is possible because the server processes the crafted request without proper sanitization or validation of the linker flags.
4. Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:
The primary mitigation is to upgrade Caldera to a patched version. If upgrading is not immediately possible, the following mitigations should be implemented:
Immediate Action: Upgrade Caldera:
- Upgrade to a patched version: The highest priority is to upgrade Caldera to a version containing the fix (version 5.0.0 after commit 35bc06e or later). Refer to the official MITRE Caldera documentation for upgrade instructions.
Temporary Mitigation (if upgrade is delayed):
- Network Segmentation: Isolate the Caldera server on a segmented network with strict access controls. Limit network access to only the necessary ports and services. This can limit the scope of a compromise if the server is exploited.
- Input Validation (Difficult without Code Changes):
- While difficult without code changes, if possible, implement strict input validation on the agent compilation API endpoints. Specifically, filter out requests that contain potentially dangerous linker flags such as
-extldflags, or any other gcc flags that could execute external commands. Note: This is a partial mitigation and may be bypassed. It should not be considered a replacement for patching.
- While difficult without code changes, if possible, implement strict input validation on the agent compilation API endpoints. Specifically, filter out requests that contain potentially dangerous linker flags such as
- Monitor Caldera Server Logs: Actively monitor the Caldera server logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual API requests, errors during agent compilation, or unexpected process executions. Implement alerting for any detected anomalies. Specifically monitor the server log for unusual
gccexecution. - Restrict User Permissions: Ensure that the Caldera server is running with the least privileges necessary. Avoid running it as root or with overly permissive access to the underlying operating system. Restrict the user that the Caldera application is running as to only what is absolutely necessary.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of the Caldera server. Configure the WAF to block requests that contain malicious payloads or patterns associated with RCE exploits, especially those targeting the agent compilation functionality.
5. Long-Term Prevention:
- Secure Development Practices: Implement secure development practices throughout the Caldera development lifecycle, including:
- Input Validation and Sanitization: Thoroughly validate and sanitize all user inputs, especially those used in system commands or code generation.
- Least Privilege Principle: Apply the principle of least privilege to all system components and users.
- Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Static and Dynamic Code Analysis: Employ static and dynamic code analysis tools to detect potential security flaws during development.
- Vulnerability Management Program: Establish a comprehensive vulnerability management program that includes:
- Regular Vulnerability Scanning: Scan the Caldera server and its dependencies for known vulnerabilities on a regular basis.
- Patch Management: Promptly apply security patches and updates to Caldera and its underlying operating system and software.
- Threat Intelligence: Stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities that may affect Caldera.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach. This plan should include procedures for identifying, containing, and eradicating malicious activity.
6. Post-Remediation Verification:
- After applying the patch, perform a thorough verification to ensure that the vulnerability has been successfully addressed. This may involve:
- Running vulnerability scans to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer present.
- Performing penetration testing to attempt to exploit the vulnerability.
- Reviewing the Caldera server logs for any signs of suspicious activity.
By implementing these remediation and mitigation strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation of CVE-2025-27364 and protect your Caldera server and environment. Remember, a multi-layered security approach is crucial for effective protection.
Assigner
- MITRE [email protected]
Date
- Published Date: 2025-02-24 19:15:15
- Updated Date: 2025-02-24 20:15:34