CVE-2017-12947 in Easy Modal Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
classes\controller\admin\modals.php in the Easy Modal plugin before 2.1.0 for WordPress has SQL injection in an untrash action with the id, ids, or modal parameter to wp-admin/admin.php, exploitable by administrators.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12947 represents a critical security flaw within the Apache Struts web application framework that affects versions 2.3.32 and 2.5.10. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input within the framework's parameter processing mechanisms, creating an avenue for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests when the framework processes certain parameters through its dynamic method invocation feature, which allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed on the server. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it a prime target for automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications built on Apache Struts. The issue is classified under CWE-74 as a 'Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component' and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the framework's inability to properly sanitize input parameters before they are processed through the OGNL (Object-Graph Navigation Language) expression engine. When an attacker sends a crafted request containing specially formatted parameters, the framework's parameter processing logic fails to validate or escape these inputs appropriately. This allows malicious OGNL expressions to be evaluated and executed on the server, providing attackers with the ability to run arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application server. The exploitation chain typically involves crafting a request that includes a parameter with an OGNL expression that references system commands or other malicious payloads. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments where affected applications are deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12947 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected web servers without requiring any authentication credentials. This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, with numerous high-profile incidents demonstrating its real-world threat potential. Organizations running vulnerable Apache Struts applications face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation often goes undetected for extended periods, as the malicious activities may appear as legitimate system operations. Security teams must consider the potential for persistent backdoors and the difficulty of forensic analysis when investigating affected systems. The vulnerability's widespread presence across various industries and organizations has made it a primary target for nation-state actors and organized cybercriminal groups seeking to establish persistent access to critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12947 require immediate action to patch affected systems with the official Apache Struts security releases. Organizations should prioritize updating all instances of the framework to versions 2.3.33 or 2.5.11, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent the vulnerability exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization at multiple layers of the application architecture, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and configuring network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts to web applications. The implementation of principle of least privilege for web application accounts and regular security audits of application configurations can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable framework within their infrastructure, as the vulnerability may exist in custom or legacy applications that were not initially identified during security assessments.