CVE-2014-3120
Elasticsearch Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2014-3120 is a high-severity access control vulnerability affecting Elastic Elasticsearch. Elasticsearch enables dynamic scripting, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary MVEL expressions and Java code. An attacker can exploit this flaw with low privileges over the network. CISA has added this vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. The EPSS score of 85.56% (99.4th percentile) indicates a significantly elevated exploitation probability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:NOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| elastic | elasticsearch | < 1.2.0 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
References
- http://bouk.co/blog/elasticsearch-rce/(Exploit)
- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/33370(Exploit)
- http://www.osvdb.org/106949(Broken Link)
- http://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/multi/elasticsearch/script_mvel_rce(Exploit, Third Party Advisory)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/67731(Exploit)
- https://www.elastic.co/blog/logstash-1-4-3-released(Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.elastic.co/community/security/(Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.found.no/foundation/elasticsearch-security/#staying-safe-while-developing-with-elasticsearch(Exploit)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2014-3120(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-284: Improper Access Control
Improper Access Control occurs when software does not properly restrict access to a resource from an unauthorized actor. This is a broad category that encompasses many specific access control failures including authentication bypass, authorization bypass, and improper enforcement of access policies. In the case of CVE-2014-3120, this weakness allows attackers to compromise Elastic Elasticsearch systems.
Learn more: CWE-284 — Improper Access Control
Impact Analysis
CVE-2014-3120 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 (HIGH), reflecting the serious risk it poses to affected environments. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of data confidentiality, full system integrity compromise, and no direct availability impact. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, meaning exploitation is straightforward and can be reliably repeated. Organizations running Elastic Elasticsearch face tangible risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruption if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2014-3120 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of 2022-04-15, confirming that real-world exploitation has been observed. The EPSS score of 85.56% (99.4th percentile) places this vulnerability among those most likely to be exploited. Public exploit code is available in vulnerability databases, lowering the barrier for attackers and increasing the urgency of remediation.
Remediation
- Apply updates per vendor instructions. This is the CISA-mandated remediation action and should be prioritized immediately.
- If patches cannot be applied immediately, restrict network access to the affected Elasticsearch management interfaces to only trusted administrative networks using firewall rules or access control lists.
- Monitor vendor security advisories for additional updates and ensure a patch management process is in place for timely deployment.
- Conduct a thorough review of affected systems for signs of prior compromise, including unexpected user accounts, modified configurations, and unusual network activity.
- Implement defense-in-depth measures including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and continuous security monitoring for the affected infrastructure.
Technical Details
CVE-2014-3120 is exploitable remotely over the network with low-level user credentials. Elasticsearch enables dynamic scripting, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary MVEL expressions and Java code. The attack complexity is rated low, meaning no specialized conditions or preparation are needed beyond network access to the target. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects the combination of these factors and the potential for significant damage to affected systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2014-3120 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2014-3120 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS score of 85.56% (99.4th percentile) further indicates high exploitation likelihood.
What products are affected by CVE-2014-3120?
CVE-2014-3120 affects Elastic Elasticsearch.
How do I fix CVE-2014-3120?
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Ensure your systems are updated to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict network access to the affected system's management interfaces.
How severe is CVE-2014-3120?
CVE-2014-3120 has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 (HIGH). This is a high-severity vulnerability that poses significant risk and requires prompt remediation. The vulnerability enables authenticated remote attackers to potentially compromise affected Elasticsearch systems.
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