CVE-2014-5194 in Sphider
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in admin/admin.php in Sphider 1.3.6 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary PHP code into settings/conf.php via the _word_upper_bound parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5194 represents a critical static code injection flaw within the Sphider 1.3.6 web application, specifically affecting the administrative interface component. This issue resides in the admin/admin.php file where insufficient input validation permits authenticated attackers to manipulate the _word_upper_bound parameter, thereby enabling arbitrary PHP code execution within the application's configuration file. The vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input that flows directly into the settings/conf.php file without adequate security controls. The flaw exists at the intersection of weak input validation and insecure data handling practices, creating a pathway for malicious code injection that can compromise the entire web application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account with administrative privileges, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Attackers can leverage the _word_upper_bound parameter to inject PHP code that gets written to the conf.php file, effectively allowing them to execute arbitrary commands on the server. This represents a classic code injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes improper control of generation of code as a weakness in software design. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.006, which covers the execution of malicious code through PHP scripts, and T1566, which encompasses the exploitation of authenticated administrative access for privilege escalation and code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once successfully exploited, the injected PHP code can be executed whenever the application processes the affected parameter, potentially allowing for ongoing backdoor access, data exfiltration, or further system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application's configuration, as attackers can modify critical settings or inject malicious code that may persist across application restarts. Organizations using Sphider 1.3.6 are particularly at risk since the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution with administrative privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The remediation strategy should involve immediate patching of the application to version 1.3.7 or later, which addresses the input validation flaw, along with implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components.
The security implications of this vulnerability underscore the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security. The flaw demonstrates how a single parameter without adequate sanitization can create a persistent security risk, as the injected code remains active in the configuration file and executes with the privileges of the web application. This vulnerability also highlights the necessity of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate injection flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including web application firewalls, regular security updates, and proper access controls to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and ensuring that administrative interfaces properly protect against code injection attacks that could compromise entire web applications.