CVE-2018-0569 in BaserCMS
Summary
by MITRE
baserCMS (baserCMS 4.1.0.1 and earlier versions, baserCMS 3.0.15 and earlier versions) allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0569 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within baserCMS platforms affecting versions 4.1.0.1 and earlier, as well as 3.0.15 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the content management system's handling of user inputs and command processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected server. The flaw exists in the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization processes, particularly within areas where user-supplied data is processed and interpreted as system commands. Attackers who have obtained legitimate authentication credentials can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges and gain full control over the underlying operating system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable baserCMS instances reside.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-89, covering improper neutralization of special elements in SQL command contexts. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors that likely involve parameter manipulation or injection points within the CMS's command processing pipeline. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious inputs that bypass normal validation checks and are subsequently executed as system commands by the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability typically arises from inadequate sanitization of user inputs before they are passed to system execution functions, creating a direct pathway for command injection attacks. The authentication requirement means that attackers must first compromise legitimate user credentials or gain access to administrative accounts, but once achieved, the impact is severe and potentially devastating to the organization's security posture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing baserCMS platforms, particularly those with administrative accounts that may be compromised through credential theft, social engineering, or other attack vectors. The remote execution capability allows attackers to perform actions such as installing backdoors, modifying website content, accessing sensitive data, and potentially using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version lines indicates a persistent flaw in the application's security architecture, suggesting that proper input validation mechanisms were either missing or inadequately implemented throughout the affected codebase. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, and the potential for reputational damage from successful exploitation can be substantial, particularly if the compromised systems contain customer information or proprietary data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0569 require immediate action including updating to patched versions of baserCMS, which would address the underlying input validation and sanitization issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts can reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, to prevent similar issues from occurring in future software development cycles. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against command injection attacks and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.