CVE-2011-1513 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in install_.php in e107 CMS 0.7.24 and probably earlier versions, when the installation script is not removed, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code into e107_config.php via a crafted MySQL server name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1513 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the e107 Content Management System version 0.7.24 and potentially earlier iterations. This vulnerability specifically targets the installation script component install_.php which remains accessible on vulnerable systems. The flaw occurs when the installation process is not properly completed or removed from the server, leaving the installation script exposed to remote exploitation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data during the database configuration phase of the installation process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the MySQL server name parameter through a specially crafted input that gets directly written into the e107_config.php configuration file. When the installation script processes this malicious input without proper sanitization, it effectively injects arbitrary PHP code into the configuration file. This occurs because the installation script does not properly escape or validate the MySQL server name parameter before writing it to the configuration file. The injected code becomes executable PHP code that will run whenever the CMS accesses the configuration file, effectively providing attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities on the affected system. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-94, which describes the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation and sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected systems. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, typically resulting in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the installation phase of the CMS, meaning that even systems that have been running for some time could be compromised if the installation script was never properly removed. The attack vector requires only a remote connection to the vulnerable system and does not require authentication, making it highly exploitable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1513 should focus on immediate remediation actions and long-term security improvements. The primary mitigation involves ensuring that the installation script install_.php is completely removed from the server once the CMS installation is complete, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions to prevent unauthorized modification of critical configuration files and ensure that the web server runs with minimal required privileges. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify and remove any unused or outdated installation scripts that may pose similar risks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in future versions of the CMS, as the vulnerability also reflects poor input sanitization practices that should be addressed through comprehensive security testing and code review processes.