CVE-2018-10517 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
In CMS Made Simple (CMSMS) through 2.2.7, the "module import" operation in the admin dashboard contains a remote code execution vulnerability, exploitable by an admin user, because an XML Package can contain base64-encoded PHP code in a data element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10517 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within CMS Made Simple versions up to 2.2.7. This security issue specifically targets the module import functionality accessible through the administrative dashboard, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that can be exploited by authenticated administrators. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the XML package processing logic, which fails to properly validate or escape data elements containing base64-encoded PHP code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an administrator imports a malicious module package that contains embedded PHP code within the XML data element. The system processes this XML package without adequate security checks, allowing the base64-encoded PHP code to be decoded and executed within the web server context. This flaw directly maps to CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing arbitrary code execution through insufficient input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for executing malicious code through PHP scripts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrative privileges, which are typically limited to trusted users within an organization, making it a significant concern for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers with administrative access to potentially compromise the entire web application and underlying infrastructure. Once executed, the malicious code can perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, and further network reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of CMS Made Simple's module management system, which is essential for extending the platform's capabilities, making it a prime target for exploitation. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages legitimate administrative functions, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected within the system for extended periods.
Organizations utilizing CMS Made Simple versions prior to 2.2.8 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the official security patch released by the CMS Made Simple development team, implementing network segmentation to limit administrative access, and monitoring for suspicious import activities. Additional protective measures should include disabling unnecessary administrative functions, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security audits of module imports. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in web applications, particularly when processing external data formats such as XML packages. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts, as the base64 encoding used in the attack can be detected through pattern analysis and anomaly detection systems.