CVE-2017-9067 in Revolution
Summary
by MITRE
In MODX Revolution before 2.5.7, when PHP 5.3.3 is used, an attacker is able to include and execute arbitrary files on the web server due to insufficient validation of the action parameter to setup/index.php, aka directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9067 affects MODX Revolution content management system versions prior to 2.5.7, presenting a critical directory traversal flaw that enables remote code execution under specific PHP configurations. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the web application operates with PHP version 5.3.3, creating a dangerous attack surface that allows malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code on the target server. The flaw exists within the setup/index.php script where the action parameter undergoes insufficient validation, permitting attackers to manipulate input parameters to traverse directories and include unauthorized files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization mechanisms within the MODX setup process. When an attacker crafts malicious requests with specially formatted action parameters, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in file inclusion operations. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as improper input validation issues that allow attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior to load and execute arbitrary PHP files from locations outside the web root directory.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9067 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute shell commands, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only a single parameter manipulation to achieve code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that do not properly implement input validation. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Organizations running affected MODX Revolution installations should immediately implement the security patch released in version 2.5.7, which addresses the insufficient validation of the action parameter in setup/index.php. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing input validation controls at the web application firewall level to prevent malicious parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and parameter validation in web applications, particularly during setup and installation phases where applications may have elevated privileges. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential directory traversal vulnerabilities within their MODX installations and ensure that all PHP applications are running supported versions with appropriate security controls in place.