CVE-2014-1683 in SkyBlueCanvas
Summary
by MITRE
The bashMail function in cms/data/skins/techjunkie/fragments/contacts/functions.php in SkyBlueCanvas CMS before 1.1 r248-04, when the pid parameter is 4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the (1) name, (2) email, (3) subject, or (4) message parameter to index.php, when the pid parameter is 4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-1683 represents a critical command injection flaw within the SkyBlueCanvas Content Management System, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.1 r248-04. This vulnerability resides in the bashMail function located at cms/data/skins/techjunkie/fragments/contacts/functions.php, where the function's behavior becomes exploitable when the pid parameter is set to the value of 4. The flaw demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that allows malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters into various user input fields, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific parameters within the contact form functionality of the CMS. When an attacker submits data through the contact form with pid set to 4, the system processes the name, email, subject, or message parameters without proper sanitization of shell metacharacters. This lack of input validation creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious commands that get executed by the system's underlying shell, effectively allowing full command execution capabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects the bashMail function which likely executes shell commands to send emails, making it a prime target for exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with complete control over the affected server, enabling them to execute any command that the web server process has permission to run. Attackers can leverage this to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, compromise other systems within the network, or perform further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can access the contact form of the CMS. The impact extends beyond immediate command execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of control over the affected web application environment.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a manifestation of CWE-77, which specifically addresses Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection'). The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, Command and Scripting Interpreter: Shell Script, where adversaries execute commands through shell interfaces. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patches or upgrade to SkyBlueCanvas CMS version 1.1 r248-04 and higher to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation and sanitization at all user-facing interfaces, employing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious shell metacharacter patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The remediation process should also include reviewing and hardening all contact form and user input processing functions to prevent similar command injection vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of the application.