CVE-2017-9771 in WebsiteBaker
Summary
by MITRE
install\save.php in WebsiteBaker v2.10.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the database_username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9771 resides within the WebsiteBaker content management system version 2.10.0, specifically in the install/save.php component. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through improper input validation and sanitization of the database_username parameter, which is processed during the installation phase of the CMS. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly incorporated into PHP execution contexts without adequate security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of parameter injection attacks that align with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The database_username parameter fails to undergo proper sanitization or validation before being used in system operations, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as executable PHP code. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including input validation, code execution, and privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on dynamic code generation during installation processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9771 extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. The installation phase of a CMS typically operates with elevated privileges, which further amplifies the potential damage that can be achieved through this vulnerability.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the execution and privilege escalation domains. The flaw enables adversaries to move laterally within networks and establish persistent access through the execution of malicious code. Organizations running WebsiteBaker 2.10.0 should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available version, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security audits of all installation processes. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation practices and the principle of least privilege in web application development, particularly during installation and configuration phases where elevated system permissions are typically required.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user inputs can lead to severe security consequences, particularly in systems that process configuration data during installation. Organizations should prioritize regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic analysis and input validation testing to prevent similar code injection flaws in future software development cycles.