CVE-2008-4557 in CuteNews
Summary
by MITRE
plugins/wacko/highlight/html.php in Strawberry in CuteNews.ru 1.1.1 (aka Strawberry) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the text parameter, which is inserted into an executable regular expression.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4557 resides within the Strawberry content management system version 1.1.1, specifically in the file plugins/wacko/highlight/html.php. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into regular expression patterns without adequate escaping or validation, creating a path for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the text parameter within the highlight plugin functionality. When users submit content through the text parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into a regular expression pattern. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the regular expression engine, execute unintended PHP code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper validation of sanity checks, and specifically relates to CWE-77, which addresses command injection vulnerabilities. The root cause lies in the lack of proper input sanitization and the dangerous practice of directly embedding user data into executable code contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the affected system environment. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain complete control over the web server hosting the Strawberry CMS instance, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically operates with elevated permissions. This could result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be exploited from any remote location, making it a high-priority target for malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input sanitization and escaping mechanisms before any user data is processed within regular expression contexts. This includes applying appropriate escaping functions to prevent regex injection attacks and ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous validation. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege for web server processes and regularly update their CMS installations to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of commands through web shells, and emphasizes the importance of input validation as a fundamental security control. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.