CVE-2018-10429 in Cosmo
Summary
by MITRE
Cosmo 1.0.0Beta6 allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the Database Prefix field on the Database Info screen of install.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10429 affects Cosmo version 1.0.0Beta6, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that arises from insufficient input validation within the application's installation process. This weakness specifically manifests in the Database Prefix field of the Database Info screen within the install.php file, where attackers can inject malicious PHP code that gets executed during the installation phase. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into the database configuration process, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution that can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper execution of dynamic code, and represents a classic case of code injection where unvalidated input is directly processed and executed by the PHP interpreter. During the installation process, when users provide a database prefix value, the application does not adequately filter or escape the input before using it in database configuration operations. This allows attackers to inject PHP code that gets executed in the context of the web server, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the installation phase when the application is typically running with elevated privileges and has access to the file system and database connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, modify existing code, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire installation process and can be exploited by anyone who can access the install.php file, making it particularly severe in environments where installation files remain accessible after deployment. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and can lead to persistent access through backdoor creation or privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10429 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement strict input filtering that prevents PHP code injection by rejecting or escaping special characters, particularly those used in PHP code execution such as <?php, <?, and ?> tags. The recommended approach involves removing or disabling the installation process entirely after initial setup, as the vulnerability exists in the installation phase where attackers can gain access to the system. Additionally, implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to installation files, applying the latest security patches from the vendor, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications can effectively prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns that could be used to exploit this flaw.