CVE-2017-14198 in Matrix
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Squiz Matrix before 5.3.6.1 and 5.4.x before 5.4.1.3. Authenticated users with permissions to edit design assets can cause Remote Code Execution (RCE) via a maliciously crafted time_format tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14198 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Squiz Matrix content management system versions prior to 5.3.6.1 and 5.4.x prior to 5.4.1.3. This security weakness specifically targets authenticated users who possess permissions to edit design assets, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the time_format tag processing functionality, which forms part of the system's template rendering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the time_format tag parameter within design asset editing functionality. When authenticated users with appropriate permissions submit maliciously crafted time_format tags containing shell commands or malicious code, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing. This inadequate sanitization allows the system to interpret and execute arbitrary commands as part of the template rendering process, effectively providing attackers with remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection flaw, which aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories that address improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution and arbitrary code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain full system control over the affected Squiz Matrix installations. Once exploited, attackers can execute commands with the privileges of the web application user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access within the network environment. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk given that many organizations maintain relatively permissive access controls for content management systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning because design asset editing functionality is often accessible to multiple users including content editors and administrators, increasing the probability of successful exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches and updates to mitigate the risk. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to Squiz Matrix versions 5.3.6.1 or 5.4.1.3, which contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for time_format tag processing. Additionally, security teams should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit user permissions, ensuring that only trusted personnel have access to design asset editing functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for robust sanitization of user inputs in all template processing and rendering functions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious patterns in time_format tag usage and other potential exploitation attempts.