CVE-2015-5643 in MATCHA INVOICE
Summary
by MITRE
The installer in ICZ MATCHA INVOICE before 2.5.7 does not properly configure the database, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2018
The CVE-2015-5643 vulnerability affects the ICZ MATCHA INVOICE software version 2.5.6 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the application's installation process. This vulnerability stems from improper database configuration during the software deployment phase, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The issue manifests specifically within the installer component, which fails to establish proper security controls for database connections and subsequent code execution environments. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system infrastructure. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that multiple entry points could potentially be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security assessment perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the installer's database initialization process where security parameters are not properly enforced. This misconfiguration creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code within the PHP runtime environment. The flaw likely resides in how database connection strings are constructed or how database schema elements are handled during installation, potentially allowing for injection attacks that bypass normal security boundaries. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and represents a code injection vulnerability. The weakness specifically manifests as a failure to properly sanitize or validate database configuration parameters that subsequently influence PHP execution contexts.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations deploying ICZ MATCHA INVOICE software, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to compromise the entire system infrastructure. Remote code execution capabilities enable attackers to install backdoors, modify financial records, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the network environment. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with network access to the affected system. Organizations utilizing this software may face significant financial and reputational damage, as attackers could manipulate invoice data, potentially leading to fraud or regulatory compliance violations. The impact extends to business continuity as unauthorized access to financial systems can disrupt normal operations and require extensive forensic investigation.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the patched version 2.5.7 or later, which addresses the database configuration issues in the installer component. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running this software, ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with the application. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database connection patterns or code execution activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems that may have been compromised through this vulnerability. The remediation process should include reviewing database configurations, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that all software components are regularly updated. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, requiring security teams to monitor for suspicious code execution patterns and implement proper input validation controls.