CVE-2021-29454 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2021-29454 article provides insights into a sandbox escape vulnerability in the Smarty template engine for PHP, impacting versions prior to 3.1.42 and 4.0.2. Users could execute arbitrary PHP code through a crafted malicious math string.

Understanding CVE-2021-29454

This section delves into the details surrounding CVE-2021-29454, highlighting the vulnerability's impact and how users can mitigate the risks.

What is CVE-2021-29454?

CVE-2021-29454 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in the Smarty template engine for PHP versions earlier than 3.1.42 and 4.0.2, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a specially crafted math string.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29454

The impact of this CVE is significant as it allows malicious actors to bypass security barriers and run unauthorized PHP code, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and other serious consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29454

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-29454, including vulnerability descriptions, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Prior to versions 3.1.42 and 4.0.2, Smarty allowed the execution of arbitrary PHP code through a crafted math string, posing a severe security risk to applications utilizing the affected versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: smarty-php
Product: smarty
Versions Affected:
< 3.1.42

= 4.0.0, < 4.0.2

Exploitation Mechanism

By passing a malicious math string as user-provided data to the math function, external users could exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-29454 and safeguard your systems against potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade their Smarty installations to version 3.1.42 or 4.0.2 to address the vulnerability and prevent the execution of arbitrary PHP code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Smarty-php to address known vulnerabilities and ensure the ongoing protection of your systems.