CVE-2011-4932 in cms
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in ip_cms/modules/standard/content_management/actions.php in ImpressPages CMS 1.0.12 and possibly other versons before 1.0.13 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the cm_group parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The CVE-2011-4932 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw within the ImpressPages Content Management System version 1.0.12 and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the content_management/actions.php file within the standard module, specifically affecting the cm_group parameter handling mechanism. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the CMS's content management functionality. When the cm_group parameter is processed, the system fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into server-side execution contexts. This injection point allows malicious actors to manipulate the parameter in ways that bypass normal security controls and execute unintended code sequences. The vulnerability is classified as an evaluation injection flaw under CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code through improper handling of untrusted input in interpreted languages. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain administrative privileges, modify or delete content, access sensitive user data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using ImpressPages CMS versions prior to 1.0.13, which would have been widely deployed across various web applications and content management platforms. This exposure creates significant risk for businesses relying on the platform, as the vulnerability could be leveraged for data theft, service disruption, or as part of broader attack campaigns targeting web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Default Accounts" when exploited, as attackers may use the compromised system to establish persistent access and execute additional malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4932 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected CMS version to 1.0.13 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter inputs targeting the vulnerable cm_group parameter. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected ImpressPages versions and ensure proper access controls are implemented. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening input validation procedures across all web application components, implementing proper output encoding, and establishing regular security patch management protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.