CVE-2012-6554 in Activecollab Chat Module
Summary
by MITRE
functions/html_to_text.php in the Chat module before 1.5.2 for activeCollab allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via the message[message_text] parameter to chat/add_messag, which is not properly handled when executing the preg_replace function with the eval switch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-6554 represents a critical code execution flaw within the activeCollab Chat module version 1.5.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the functions/html_to_text.php file where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before processing it through the preg_replace function with the eval modifier. The flaw specifically affects the chat/add_message endpoint where the message[message_text] parameter is directly processed without adequate validation or sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user-supplied data within the preg_replace function call that utilizes the /e modifier. This modifier instructs PHP to evaluate the replacement string as PHP code, creating a classic code injection vector. When authenticated users submit malicious content through the chat interface, the application processes this input through the vulnerable preg_replace function, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server with the privileges of the web application. This represents a direct violation of input validation principles and demonstrates a lack of proper sanitization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it transforms a simple chat module into a potential gateway for remote code execution attacks. An authenticated attacker with access to the chat functionality can escalate their privileges and gain complete control over the affected server. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system by enabling arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP commands.
The attack vector requires minimal prerequisites as it only necessitates authentication to the activeCollab system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where chat functionality is widely accessible. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within the organization. Organizations should immediately implement security patches to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the availability of automated attack tools targeting such flaws. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation, output encoding, and the avoidance of dangerous PHP functions like preg_replace with the /e modifier in production environments.