CVE-2018-0645 in MTAppjQuery
Summary
by MITRE
MTAppjQuery 1.8.1 and earlier allows remote PHP code execution via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0645 affects MTAppjQuery versions 1.8.1 and earlier, presenting a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by attackers without authentication. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user-supplied input that is processed through PHP execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the application's architecture could be leveraged to achieve remote code execution, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security practitioners. The flaw likely stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization processes that permit malicious payloads to bypass security controls and be interpreted as executable PHP code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves attackers crafting malicious input that gets processed by the vulnerable MTAppjQuery component, which then executes the injected PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell." The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The lack of authentication requirements makes this particularly dangerous as it allows for automated exploitation at scale, and the PHP execution capability provides attackers with extensive control over the affected server environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0645 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. Organizations running affected versions of MTAppjQuery face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors, install additional malware, or pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure. Security teams must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be used in conjunction with other attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. The impact is amplified when considering that many organizations may not regularly update their third-party applications, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0645 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to MTAppjQuery versions that address this vulnerability, as the vendor would have implemented proper input validation and sanitization measures. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper patching. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary PHP execution capabilities and implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied data. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other third-party applications and dependencies. The remediation process should also include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential compromise. Additionally, organizations should review their application deployment processes to ensure that third-party components are regularly updated and that automated patch management systems are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed.