CVE-2017-14764 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
In the Upload Modules page in GeniXCMS 1.1.4, remote authenticated users can execute arbitrary PHP code via a .php file in a ZIP archive of a module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14764 resides within the Upload Modules functionality of GeniXCMS version 1.1.4, representing a critical security flaw that allows remote authenticated attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the module upload process where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file extensions within ZIP archives, creating an avenue for malicious code injection. The flaw exists in the application's file handling mechanism during module installation, where uploaded ZIP files containing PHP code are not adequately inspected before being extracted and processed. This represents a classic case of insecure file upload vulnerability that directly enables remote code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file extension checking within the module upload pipeline. When an authenticated user uploads a ZIP archive containing a PHP file, the system does not properly verify that the uploaded content adheres to expected file types or that the PHP code within the archive is legitimate. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal security controls by embedding malicious PHP code within the ZIP archive, which gets executed when the system processes the uploaded module. This flaw operates at the intersection of inadequate access controls and insufficient file validation mechanisms, creating a path for privilege escalation and unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation, making it susceptible to malicious content injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14764 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This capability enables a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, lateral movement within the network, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full control over the affected GeniXCMS instance, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects all authenticated users who have access to the module upload functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential denial of service conditions, data corruption, and unauthorized modification of web content. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP' and T1078.004 for 'Valid Accounts: Default Accounts' when exploiting authenticated access to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14764 should focus on implementing comprehensive file validation controls and restricting module upload capabilities. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of GeniXCMS that addresses this vulnerability through proper file extension validation and content inspection mechanisms. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file type validation that rejects any uploaded files with PHP extensions or executable content, regardless of their container format. Additional security measures should include disabling module upload functionality for untrusted users, implementing proper file permission controls, and conducting regular security audits of uploaded content. The solution should also incorporate proper input sanitization and output encoding practices to prevent malicious code from being executed even if it bypasses initial validation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual upload patterns and unauthorized module installations, while network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. These mitigations align with industry best practices for secure file upload handling and address the fundamental flaws that enabled this vulnerability in the first place, ensuring that future attacks cannot leverage similar techniques to compromise system integrity.