CVE-2014-2874 in Commonspot Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
PaperThin CommonSpot before 7.0.2 and 8.x before 8.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in an unspecified context.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2874 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting PaperThin CommonSpot content management systems. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 7.0.2 and 8.x prior to 8.0.3, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this web application platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, allowing malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that can be executed within the system's operational context. The unspecified context mentioned in the description suggests that the vulnerability manifests across multiple attack vectors within the application's architecture, potentially affecting various components including file upload handlers, command execution interfaces, or configuration management modules.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where attacker-controlled input containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks is processed by the application without proper sanitization. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the web application process. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, and specifically relates to CWE-94 which addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities, enabling them to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader organizational security implications. Attackers exploiting this flaw can gain unauthorized access to sensitive content, user credentials, and system configurations stored within the CommonSpot platform. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell) techniques, representing the methods attackers would use to execute malicious commands within the compromised environment. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face potential regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and significant financial losses due to the unauthorized access and potential destruction of critical business information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2874 should prioritize immediate patch application to versions 7.0.2 or 8.0.3 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including the use of allowlists for permitted characters and proper encoding of user-supplied data before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in application functionality, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts.