CVE-2015-5958 in phpFileManager
Summary
by MITRE
phpFileManager 0.9.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5958 affects phpFileManager version 0.9.8, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the application's URL handling mechanism. The flaw exists in the application's file management functionality where user-provided parameters are directly incorporated into system commands without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate or escape input parameters that are subsequently used in command execution contexts. When a malicious user crafts a specially formatted URL containing unauthorized command sequences, the phpFileManager application processes these inputs directly without proper sanitization, allowing the attacker to inject and execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web application. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and follows patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over the affected server, install backdoors, establish persistent access, and use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated versions of phpFileManager, particularly those that have not implemented proper security updates or patches, making it a significant concern for web application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5958 include immediate patching of phpFileManager to version 0.9.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation and command execution handling. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable applications, deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious URL patterns, and conduct comprehensive security audits of all web applications. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts.