CVE-2017-10968 in FineCMS
Summary
by MITRE
In FineCMS through 2017-07-07, application\core\controller\template.php allows remote PHP code execution by placing the code after "<?php" in a route=template request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
CVE-2017-10968 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting FineCMS versions up to and including the 2017-07-07 release. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's core processing mechanisms, specifically in how the system handles user-supplied data during content management operations. The flaw exists in the way FineCMS processes certain parameters within its administrative interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain full administrative control over the content management system. The technical implementation of this flaw involves improper sanitization of user inputs that are subsequently processed through server-side execution contexts, enabling attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted payloads. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits malicious data through web forms or API endpoints that are not properly validated before being processed by the application's backend components. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where FineCMS instances are deployed. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where the CMS is used for managing sensitive content or user data.
The vulnerability exploitation requires minimal prerequisites and can be automated through existing attack frameworks, making it particularly dangerous in environments with poor network segmentation or inadequate monitoring controls. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify website content, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is broad as FineCMS is commonly deployed in web environments where administrative functions are exposed to the internet, and the vulnerability affects not just the web interface but also the underlying database and file system operations. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is often overlooked in routine security assessments due to its subtle nature and the fact that it requires specific conditions to be met for successful exploitation. The remediation process involves upgrading to patched versions of FineCMS, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their web applications to identify similar code injection vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the flaw could have been prevented through better adherence to secure coding practices and defensive programming techniques.