CVE-2011-2148 in SmarterStats
Summary
by MITRE
Admin/frmSite.aspx in the SmarterTools SmarterStats 6.0 web server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via vectors involving a leading and trailing & (ampersand) character, and (1) an STTTState cookie, (2) the ctl00%24MPH%24txtAdminNewPassword_SettingText parameter, (3) the ctl00%24MPH%24txtSmarterLogDirectory parameter, (4) the ctl00%24MPH%24ucSiteSeoSearchEngineSettings%24chklistEngines_SettingCheckBox%2414 parameter, (5) the ctl00%24MPH%24ucSiteSeoSettings%24txtSeoMaxKeywords_SettingText parameter, or (6) the ctl00_MPH_grdLogLocations_HiddenLSR parameter, related to an "OS command injection" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2148 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within the SmarterTools SmarterStats 6.0 web application. This vulnerability exists in the Admin/frmSite.aspx component where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. The specific exploitation technique involves manipulating HTTP parameters through the strategic placement of leading and trailing ampersand characters, which bypasses normal input filtering mechanisms and allows attackers to inject malicious OS commands directly into the application's processing pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the web application's parameter handling logic. Attackers can leverage multiple vulnerable parameters including the STTTState cookie and various form fields such as ctl00%24MPH%24txtAdminNewPassword_SettingText, ctl00%24MPH%24txtSmarterLogDirectory, and several others related to SEO settings and log location configurations. The combination of these vulnerable parameters creates multiple attack vectors that can be exploited to achieve command execution, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with various pathways to compromise the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks and large-scale compromise operations. Organizations running SmarterStats 6.0 are at significant risk of unauthorized access and system manipulation through this vulnerability.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of CWE-77, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')". The attack pattern aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Command and Control phase, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code on compromised systems. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software to address the input validation flaws, implementing proper parameter sanitization and validation mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious command injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and establish robust input validation protocols to prevent future occurrences of this type of flaw.