CVE-2018-10133 in PbootCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PbootCMS v0.9.8 allows PHP code injection via an IF label in index.php/About/6.html or admin.php/Site/index.html, related to the parserIfLabel function in \apps\home\controller\ParserController.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-10133 represents a critical PHP code injection flaw in PbootCMS version 0.9.8 that stems from improper input validation within the parserIfLabel function. This vulnerability exists in the content management system's template parsing mechanism, specifically affecting the index.php/About/6.html and admin.php/Site/index.html endpoints. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating IF label syntax in template files, creating a severe security risk that can compromise the entire web application infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the parserIfLabel function which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing template directives. When the system encounters an IF label in the template parsing flow, it does not adequately validate or escape the conditional expressions, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as executable PHP code. This represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization and improper output encoding, which aligns with CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') and CWE-74 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the application. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability affects both frontend and backend administrative interfaces, meaning that successful exploitation could provide access to administrative functions and potentially compromise the entire CMS installation. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, where the system's inability to properly validate input creates an opportunity for attackers to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10133 require immediate action including upgrading to a patched version of PbootCMS, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple layers, including template parsing, user input sanitization, and proper output encoding to prevent similar issues. Security measures should also include restricting file upload capabilities, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential code injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that administrative interfaces are properly protected and that access controls are strictly enforced. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure template processing and input validation in content management systems, particularly when dealing with user-generated content that gets processed through template engines.