CVE-2013-1412 in DataLife Engine
Summary
by MITRE
DataLife Engine (DLE) 9.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the catlist[] parameter to engine/preview.php, which is used in a preg_replace function call with an e modifier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
DataLife Engine version 9.7 contains a critical remote code execution vulnerability that stems from improper input validation and unsafe PHP function usage. The vulnerability exists in the engine/preview.php script where the catlist[] parameter is processed without adequate sanitization. When this parameter is passed through a preg_replace function call with the e modifier, it creates a dangerous attack surface that allows remote adversaries to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. This flaw represents a classic case of unsafe input handling that directly enables code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the dangerous e modifier in PHP's preg_replace function, which executes the replacement string as PHP code. This modifier, while functional for certain legitimate use cases, becomes extremely hazardous when combined with unsanitized user input. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable preg_replace call, result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability specifically affects the preview functionality of DataLife Engine, which is designed to allow users to preview content before publishing, making it a legitimate attack vector that can be exploited by both authenticated and unauthenticated attackers.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1412 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. This includes the ability to read, modify, or delete any files accessible to the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and further network compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations running DataLife Engine 9.7 are at significant risk of having their systems compromised, potentially leading to full system takeover and persistent backdoor access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through official patches provided by DataLife Engine developers, as the issue represents a fundamental flaw in input handling that requires code-level fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the preview functionality and consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though the specific exploitation method differs from typical PowerShell-based attacks due to the PHP-specific nature of the vulnerability. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other applications and systems.