CVE-2011-0635 in Simploo CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in Simploo CMS 1.7.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary PHP code into config/custom/base.ini.php via the ftpserver parameter (FTP-Server field) to the sicore/updates/optionssav operation for index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The CVE-2011-0635 vulnerability represents a critical static code injection flaw within Simploo CMS versions 1.7.1 and earlier, demonstrating a fundamental failure in input validation and output sanitization within the content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the ftpserver parameter within the sicore/updates/optionssav operation of the index.php file, creating an attack surface that allows authenticated remote adversaries to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input that is directly written to a configuration file without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the CMS's update mechanism, where the ftpserver parameter is accepted from user input and subsequently written to the config/custom/base.ini.php file without appropriate security measures. This configuration file serves as a critical system component that stores essential settings for the CMS operations, making it an ideal target for attackers seeking persistent code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of CWE-94, which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation," demonstrating how inadequate validation can lead to code execution capabilities. The attack vector requires only authenticated access to the system, significantly reducing the barrier to exploitation while maintaining the potential for severe impact.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0635 extends far beyond simple code injection, as it enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise the entire web server infrastructure. Once authenticated, an attacker can manipulate the configuration file to inject malicious PHP code that executes with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python," though in this case the execution occurs through PHP code injection. The implications for organizations using vulnerable Simploo CMS installations include potential data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, particularly since the configuration file contains critical system settings that influence CMS behavior.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement broader defensive measures. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Simploo CMS versions that have patched this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the core issue. The remediation process requires thorough testing of the updated system to ensure compatibility with existing configurations and functionality. Security controls should include implementing input validation at multiple layers, establishing proper output encoding for configuration file writes, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter injection attempts. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit the number of authenticated users with administrative privileges, and regular security audits should verify that configuration files are not vulnerable to unauthorized modification. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices and input sanitization, particularly when dealing with dynamic content that gets written to system files, making it a prime example of why defense in depth strategies are essential for protecting web applications from code injection attacks.