CVE-2019-25022
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution in Scytl sVote 2.1 by injecting malicious payloads through election event aliases. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server because the application uses Runtime.getRuntime().exec() without proper input validation. Organizations using vulnerable versions of sVote for electronic voting systems are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Scytl sVote
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive voting data, manipulate election results, or deploy ransomware.
Likely Case
Server compromise leading to data exfiltration, installation of backdoors, or disruption of voting operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, input validation, and least privilege controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is well-documented with proof-of-concept available, making exploitation straightforward for attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.scytl.com/security-advisory/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact Scytl for the latest patched version. 2. Backup all election data and configurations. 3. Deploy the updated version following Scytl's migration guide. 4. Restart the application server. 5. Verify functionality and security.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement server-side input validation to sanitize election event aliases before processing.
Implement regex pattern: ^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$ for event aliases
Add input sanitization in Java code before Runtime.exec() calls
Network Segmentation
allIsolate the sVote server from internet access and restrict internal network access.
Configure firewall rules to allow only necessary ports from authorized IPs
Implement VLAN segmentation for voting systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls and isolate the system from untrusted networks
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with custom rules to block command injection patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check application version in admin interface or configuration files. If version is 2.1, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check web interface or configuration files for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2.2 or later and test input validation by attempting to inject special characters in event aliases.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process executions from Java runtime
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by command execution patterns
- Suspicious strings in election event creation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from the sVote server
- Traffic patterns indicating data exfiltration
- Unexpected ports being accessed
SIEM Query:
source="sVote" AND (event="exec" OR command="Runtime.getRuntime") AND (user_agent="malicious" OR input="|" OR input=";" OR input="$")