CVE-2017-7981 in Tuleap
Summary
by MITRE
Tuleap before 9.7 allows command injection via the PhpWiki 1.3.10 SyntaxHighlighter plugin. This occurs in the Project Wiki component because the proc_open PHP function is used within PhpWiki before 1.5.5 with a syntax value in its first argument, and an authenticated Tuleap user can control this value, even with shell metacharacters, as demonstrated by a '<?plugin SyntaxHighlighter syntax="c;id"' line to execute the id command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7981 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Tuleap collaborative platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 9.7. This security weakness resides within the Project Wiki component and stems from improper input validation in the PhpWiki 1.3.10 SyntaxHighlighter plugin. The vulnerability manifests when the proc_open PHP function is invoked with user-controllable syntax values in its first argument, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust placed in the PhpWiki plugin's processing of syntax highlighting parameters. When an authenticated Tuleap user submits a specially crafted syntax value containing shell metacharacters, the system executes the command without proper sanitization. The demonstration case using '<?plugin SyntaxHighlighter syntax="c;id"' illustrates how the semicolon delimiter allows arbitrary command execution, with the id command being executed as a proof of concept. This flaw directly maps to CWE-78, which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a classic command injection vulnerability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Tuleap for project management and collaboration. An authenticated attacker with access to the wiki component can escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as it allows for lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. The vulnerability's accessibility through the wiki interface means that even users with limited privileges can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wiki access is broadly distributed.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution. The exploitation process follows a predictable pattern where user input flows directly into system command execution without proper validation or sanitization. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Tuleap version 9.7 or later, where the PhpWiki plugin has been updated to version 1.5.5 or higher. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit wiki component access, while implementing input validation mechanisms that prevent shell metacharacters from reaching the proc_open function. Regular security audits and penetration testing should verify that no other components within the Tuleap platform are vulnerable to similar command injection flaws, as this represents a systemic issue that may affect other plugins or components using similar execution patterns.