CVE-2014-5519 in PhpWiki
Summary
by MITRE
The Ploticus module in PhpWiki 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in a device option in the edit[content] parameter to index.php/HeIp. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5519 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Ploticus module of PhpWiki version 1.5.0. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malicious shell metacharacters within the device option parameter. The attack vector specifically targets the editcontent parameter in the index.php/HeIp endpoint, where an attacker can inject arbitrary shell commands through carefully crafted input that gets processed without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. The Ploticus module appears to directly incorporate user-supplied device options into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the command execution flow. When the system processes the editcontent parameter containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell and executed with the privileges of the web application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the underlying server, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to public networks. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5519 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PhpWiki version to the latest stable release that addresses the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures at all entry points, particularly for parameters that may be passed to system commands. The implementation of a web application firewall with rules specifically designed to detect and block shell metacharacter sequences represents an additional protective layer. Furthermore, principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web application with minimal necessary permissions, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules or components that may be susceptible to command injection attacks. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual command execution patterns can also help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromises.