CVE-2017-17098 in GPS Tracking Software
Summary
by MITRE
The writeLog function in fn_common.php in gps-server.net GPS Tracking Software (self hosted) through 3.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code via a crafted request that is mishandled during admin log viewing, as demonstrated by <?php system($_GET[cmd]); ?> in a login request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The CVE-2017-17098 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw in gps-server.net GPS Tracking Software version 3.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the writeLog function located in the fn_common.php file, which serves as a core component for logging administrative activities within the self-hosted tracking platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malicious payloads during the logging process, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request that targets the login functionality of the GPS tracking system. When an attacker submits a malicious payload containing PHP code such as <?php system($_GET[cmd]); ?> within a login request, the system processes this input without proper sanitization and stores it in the administrative log files. During subsequent log viewing operations, the system executes the stored malicious code, effectively allowing attackers to gain remote command execution capabilities on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically manifests as a code injection vulnerability that enables arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Once exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects self-hosted installations of the GPS tracking software, making it particularly concerning for organizations that deploy this solution on their own infrastructure without proper security hardening. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability can be triggered through routine login attempts, making detection more challenging and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Organizations affected by CVE-2017-17098 should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of the gps-server.net GPS Tracking Software, as this addresses the root cause of the input validation flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious payloads containing PHP code patterns. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts," highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures including privileged account protection and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar code injection vulnerabilities in custom applications, particularly focusing on user-supplied data handling within logging and administrative functions.