CVE-2013-10037 in WebTester
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2025
An OS command injection vulnerability exists in WebTester version 5.x via the install2.php installation script. The parameters cpusername, cppassword, and cpdomain are passed directly to shell commands without sanitization. A remote unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a crafted HTTP POST request, resulting in arbitrary command execution on the underlying system with web server privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical operating system command injection flaw in WebTester version 5.x that directly compromises system integrity through improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically resides in the install2.php installation script where user-supplied parameters including cpusername, cppassword, and cpdomain are concatenated directly into shell commands without any sanitization or validation measures. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the web server process, creating a severe privilege escalation vector. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can send HTTP POST requests to the vulnerable installation script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the underlying system in ways that can lead to complete system compromise. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP POST request containing specially formatted payloads in the affected parameters, the web server executes these commands with the privileges of the web server user, typically a limited but potentially exploitable account. This privilege level allows attackers to access sensitive files, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or even establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through insecure configurations. The fact that the vulnerability affects the installation script means that even legitimate users attempting to install the software could be at risk, as the installation process itself becomes a potential attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security risk and the underlying architectural issues that allowed the flaw to exist. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input sanitization and validation for all user-supplied parameters that are later used in system commands. This includes employing parameterized command execution where possible, using allowlists for acceptable input values, and implementing proper escaping or encoding of special characters. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious POST requests targeting the vulnerable installation script. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions, preventing attackers from gaining elevated access even if they successfully execute commands. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should also include removing or disabling the vulnerable installation script when it is no longer needed, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. System administrators should also monitor for unusual command execution patterns in system logs, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why input validation should never be assumed to occur at the application layer, but should be implemented consistently throughout all system interfaces to prevent such critical security flaws from being exploited in real-world scenarios.