CVE-2017-16783 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
In CMS Made Simple 2.1.6, there is Server-Side Template Injection via the cntnt01detailtemplate parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16783 represents a critical server-side template injection flaw discovered in CMS Made Simple version 2.1.6. This vulnerability exists within the content management system's handling of template parameters, specifically through the cntnt01detailtemplate input field. The issue allows remote attackers to inject malicious template code that gets executed on the server side, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution and complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the template processing mechanism, creating an attack surface where user-supplied data can be interpreted as template instructions rather than plain text content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious content through the cntnt01detailtemplate parameter, which is then processed by the CMS's template engine without proper sanitization. This flaw falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to server-side template injection attacks. The attack vector leverages the CMS's template processing capabilities, where the system fails to properly distinguish between legitimate template syntax and malicious payload content. When the template engine encounters injected template code, it executes the malicious instructions within the server context, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the web server hosting the CMS, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects organizations using CMS Made Simple 2.1.6, making it particularly concerning for websites that rely on this platform for content management. The attack can be executed remotely without authentication, making it especially dangerous as it requires no prior access to the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access or move laterally within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16783 require immediate patching of the CMS Made Simple application to version 2.2.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering and validation mechanisms that prevent template syntax from being interpreted when user data is processed. Security measures including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security audits can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for CMS accounts, disabling unnecessary template features, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments will reduce the attack surface. System administrators should also monitor for unusual template processing activities and implement proper logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the patched environment to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the vulnerability is eliminated.