CVE-2017-5518 in GeniXCMS
Summary
by MITRE
The media-file upload feature in GeniXCMS through 0.0.8 allows remote attackers to conduct SSRF attacks via a URL, as demonstrated by a URL with an intranet IP address.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5518 resides within GeniXCMS version 0.0.8 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through its media file upload functionality. This flaw enables remote attackers to execute server-side request forgery attacks by manipulating URL parameters during file uploads, effectively bypassing traditional network security controls and potentially exposing internal systems to unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the media upload feature. When users attempt to upload media files, the system accepts URLs as input parameters without proper sanitization or verification of the target addresses. Attackers can exploit this by providing URLs that reference internal network resources, leveraging the server's ability to resolve and fetch content from these locations. This behavior creates a pathway for attackers to probe internal network services, potentially accessing sensitive information or systems that should remain isolated from external exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can facilitate further attacks within the compromised environment. By leveraging SSRF capabilities, attackers can enumerate internal services, scan network ports, and potentially gain access to systems that are normally protected by firewalls or network segmentation. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on GeniXCMS for content management, as it undermines the security boundary between external users and internal network resources.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery vulnerabilities, and corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. Organizations utilizing GeniXCMS should implement immediate mitigations including input validation for URL parameters, restricting outbound network access from the CMS server, and implementing proper network segmentation to isolate internal services from the application layer. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure the CMS remains protected against known vulnerabilities, while network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious outbound requests originating from the CMS server.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of validating all user-supplied input, particularly in web applications that handle external resources. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly innocuous features like media uploads can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and input validation mechanisms throughout the application development lifecycle.