CVE-2018-11670 in GreenCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in GreenCMS v2.3.0603. There is a CSRF vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the content parameter to index.php?m=admin&c=media&a=fileconnect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11670 represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within GreenCMS version 2.3.0603 that exposes the application to arbitrary code execution attacks. This vulnerability exists in the media management component of the content management system where the fileconnect action parameter processes user input without proper validation or anti-CSRF protection mechanisms. The attack vector specifically targets the index.php endpoint with the administrative media module, making it a high-impact security weakness that could compromise entire web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted cross-site request forgery attack where an attacker constructs a malicious payload that, when executed by an authenticated administrator, triggers the fileconnect functionality with arbitrary PHP code in the content parameter. The lack of proper input sanitization and CSRF token validation allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code within the context of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This flaw operates under CWE-352 which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the compromised system, potentially leading to data theft, system modification, or further lateral movement within network environments. Administrators who visit malicious websites or click on compromised links could unknowingly execute commands on the vulnerable CMS system, making this attack particularly dangerous due to its reliance on social engineering aspects. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the CMS platform, potentially allowing attackers to upload malicious files, modify existing content, or establish backdoors for continued access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper CSRF token validation throughout the administrative interfaces of GreenCMS, input sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, and regular security updates to ensure the CMS remains protected against known exploits. Organizations should also implement network segmentation, monitor for suspicious administrative activities, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The remediation process must involve updating to a patched version of GreenCMS, implementing proper access controls, and establishing robust monitoring procedures that can detect unauthorized administrative actions. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators can help reduce the risk of successful CSRF attacks through social engineering approaches.