CVE-2015-7769 in BaserCMS
Summary
by MITRE
baserCMS 3.0.2 through 3.0.8 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary OS commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7769 affects baserCMS versions 3.0.2 through 3.0.8, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected server. This vulnerability resides within the content management system's command handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation and sanitization allow maliciously crafted parameters to be interpreted as executable commands. The flaw specifically manifests when authenticated users submit specially crafted requests that bypass normal security controls, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate system functions for malicious purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that typically involve parameter manipulation within the CMS's administrative interfaces or API endpoints. Attackers with valid user credentials can manipulate input fields, form parameters, or API calls to inject OS commands that are then executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's authentication requirement means that attackers must first obtain legitimate user credentials, but once achieved, they can escalate their privileges and execute commands with the same permissions as the compromised user account. This represents a significant risk in environments where user accounts may have elevated privileges or where credential compromise occurs through social engineering, brute force attacks, or other exploitation techniques. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it leverages legitimate CMS functionality rather than introducing new attack vectors, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7769 extends far beyond simple command execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected server, enabling them to install malware, modify website content, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system makes it particularly attractive to attackers targeting web applications, as CMS platforms often contain valuable data and serve as entry points to larger network infrastructures. Organizations running affected baserCMS versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, potential regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage if such attacks occur. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the flaw allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges beyond normal operational boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7769 should focus on immediate patching of affected baserCMS installations to version 3.0.9 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement robust access controls and monitor user activities for suspicious command execution patterns, particularly in administrative interfaces. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the blast radius of potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions that can detect and block malicious command injection attempts provides an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates and reduce the window of exposure for known vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security controls throughout the application lifecycle to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.