CVE-2017-9741 in ProjectSend
Summary
by MITRE
install/make-config.php in ProjectSend r754 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the dbprefix parameter, related to replacing TABLES_PREFIX in the configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9741 affects ProjectSend version r754 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw in the installation process. This vulnerability exists within the install/make-config.php script where the dbprefix parameter is improperly handled, creating an avenue for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters during the configuration file generation process, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the database prefix variable to inject malicious code that gets written directly into the configuration file.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a pattern consistent with command injection and code injection attacks, classified under CWE-94 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and CWE-74 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection'). The attack vector specifically targets the installation phase of ProjectSend, where the application generates configuration files based on user input without proper sanitization of the dbprefix parameter. When an attacker supplies malicious input containing PHP code within the dbprefix parameter, this code gets executed during the configuration file creation process, effectively allowing remote code execution on the server hosting ProjectSend.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with full control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the installation process, meaning that even before the application is fully operational, attackers can gain access to the system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during initial setup or configuration phases when security measures might be less stringent. The attack can result in data theft, system modification, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms being established on the compromised server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9741 should focus on immediate patching of ProjectSend to version r755 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file modifications in the installation directories and configuration files. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" as attackers can leverage this to execute commands and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised system. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.