CVE-2014-6389 in PHPCompta
Summary
by MITRE
backup.php in PHPCompta/NOALYSS before 6.7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the d parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6389 affects PHPCompta/NOALYSS versions prior to 6.7.2 and resides within the backup.php script. This represents a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the d parameter without adequate input sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious command execution through shell metacharacters.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a severe security weakness in software applications. The flaw allows attackers to inject operating system commands through the backup.php script by manipulating the d parameter, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level, allowing attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the web server process. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform extensive system reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to database files, user credentials, and other sensitive information stored within the application's environment. The attack surface is significant since the vulnerability affects the backup functionality, which is typically critical for system administration and data recovery operations. This makes the exploitation particularly attractive to threat actors who seek to gain persistent access and control over the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6389 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PHPCompta/NOALYSS application to version 6.7.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent shell metacharacter injection, including the use of allowlists for acceptable input parameters and proper escaping of special characters. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns and anomalous backup activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as exploitation typically requires legitimate system access and command execution capabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.