CVE-2014-2996 in XCloner
Summary
by MITRE
XCloner Standalone 3.5 and earlier, when enable_db_backup and sql_mem are enabled, allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the dbbackup_comp parameter in a generate action to index2.php. NOTE: it is not clear whether this issue crosses privilege boundaries, since administrators might already have the privileges to execute code. NOTE: this can be leveraged by remote attackers using CVE-2014-2579.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2996 affects XCloner Standalone version 3.5 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection flaw that can be exploited by authenticated administrators with specific configuration settings enabled. This vulnerability specifically manifests when both enable_db_backup and sql_mem parameters are active within the application's configuration, creating a dangerous condition where malicious input can be executed as system commands. The flaw exists in the index2.php script's handling of the dbbackup_comp parameter during a generate action, where insufficient input validation allows shell metacharacters to be processed directly without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, which represents Command Injection, a well-documented weakness that occurs when an application incorporates user-supplied data into system commands without adequate validation or sanitization. This particular flaw demonstrates how seemingly legitimate administrative features can become attack vectors when proper input handling is omitted. The vulnerability operates by accepting user-controlled input through the dbbackup_comp parameter and executing it within a shell context, which directly violates secure coding principles and opens the door for arbitrary code execution on the affected system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on XCloner for backup operations, as it allows authenticated administrators to execute malicious commands with the privileges of the web application user. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as the vulnerability can be leveraged by remote attackers who have already gained administrative access through other means, such as CVE-2014-2579, which provides initial access to the system. This chaining of vulnerabilities demonstrates how a single flaw can serve as a stepping stone to more severe compromises, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system.
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires an authenticated administrator to be logged into the XCloner interface with the specific configuration parameters enabled, making it less likely to be exploited by casual attackers but still concerning for organizations with compromised administrative credentials. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the affected configuration parameters, applying the vendor's patch, or implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a command execution technique, specifically falling under the T1059.001 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, which emphasizes the importance of preventing untrusted input from being executed as commands within the system.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the XCloner application to version 3.6 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, organizations should review their administrative access controls and implement principle of least privilege, ensuring that only necessary personnel have administrative access to backup systems. Network segmentation and monitoring of backup systems can help detect anomalous command execution patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation at multiple layers, as proper sanitization of user inputs in the index2.php script would prevent the exploitation of this command injection flaw. Security awareness training for administrators regarding the risks of enabling potentially dangerous configuration options and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in preventing such vulnerabilities from being exploited in real-world scenarios.