CVE-2024-23759: Gambio RCE Vulnerability via Deserialization

CVE-2024-23759 Overview

CVE-2024-23759 is a critical insecure deserialization vulnerability affecting Gambio e-commerce platform through version 4.9.2.0. The vulnerability exists in the Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry function, where the search parameter is susceptible to deserialization of untrusted data. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Gambio installations without requiring authentication.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote code execution allowing complete system compromise of Gambio e-commerce installations through malicious serialized payloads.

Affected Products

• Gambio through version 4.9.2.0
• Gambio e-commerce platform installations using vulnerable Parcelshopfinder functionality

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-02-12 - CVE-2024-23759 published to NVD
• 2025-05-07 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-23759

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data) and CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type). The flaw resides in the Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry endpoint, where user-supplied data in the search parameter is deserialized without proper validation or sanitization.

When a PHP application deserializes attacker-controlled data, it can instantiate arbitrary objects and invoke magic methods (such as __wakeup(), __destruct(), or __toString()) that may execute dangerous operations. In the context of Gambio, this allows attackers to craft malicious serialized payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable function, result in arbitrary code execution on the server.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability, combined with the lack of authentication requirements, makes it particularly dangerous for internet-facing Gambio installations. Successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the unsafe deserialization of user-controlled input in the search parameter of the Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry function. The application fails to validate or sanitize the serialized data before passing it to PHP's deserialization functions, allowing attackers to inject malicious object chains (gadget chains) that execute arbitrary code during the deserialization process.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can send a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry endpoint with a malicious serialized payload in the search parameter. The vulnerable code deserializes this payload, triggering the execution of attacker-controlled code through PHP object injection techniques.

The exploitation process typically involves identifying existing classes within the application or its dependencies that contain exploitable magic methods, then constructing a payload that chains these methods together to achieve code execution. For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the USD Security Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23759

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests to /Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry endpoints containing serialized PHP objects
• Web server logs showing base64-encoded or serialized data patterns in the search parameter
• Unexpected process spawning from web server processes (e.g., www-data or apache user)
• New files created in web-accessible directories with suspicious extensions or content
• Outbound network connections from the web server to unknown external hosts

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block serialized PHP object patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server access logs for requests to the Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry endpoint with abnormal parameter lengths or encoded content
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify code execution attempts originating from web server processes
• Utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for PHP deserialization attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for the Gambio application and web server to capture request parameters
• Implement real-time alerting for suspicious activity patterns associated with deserialization attacks
• Monitor system integrity for unauthorized file modifications or new file creation in the Gambio installation directory
• Track process creation events for child processes spawned by the web server that execute shell commands or interpreters

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23759

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Gambio to a version newer than 4.9.2.0 that addresses this vulnerability
• If immediate patching is not possible, restrict access to the Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry endpoint through web server configuration
• Implement network-level controls to limit access to the Gambio administration and API endpoints
• Review web server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts and conduct incident response if compromise indicators are found
• Consider temporarily disabling the Parcelshopfinder functionality until patching is complete

Patch Information

Organizations running Gambio should update to the latest available version that addresses CVE-2024-23759. Consult the official Gambio release notes and security advisories for specific patch information. The USD Security Advisory provides additional context on the vulnerability discovery and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement web server rules (Apache mod_rewrite or Nginx location blocks) to block requests to the vulnerable endpoint
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block PHP serialized object patterns
• Restrict network access to the Gambio installation to trusted IP addresses only
• Disable or remove the Parcelshopfinder module if it is not required for business operations

# Example Apache configuration to block vulnerable endpoint
<Location "/Parcelshopfinder/AddAddressBookEntry">
    Order deny,allow
    Deny from all
    # Allow only trusted IPs if needed
    # Allow from 192.168.1.0/24
</Location>