CVE-2018-12941 in SeedDMS
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in SeedDMS (formerly LetoDMS and MyDMS) before 5.1.8 by adding a system command at the end of the "cacheDir" path and following usage of the "Clear Cache" functionality. This allows an authenticated attacker, with permission to the Settings functionality, to inject arbitrary system commands within the application by manipulating the "Cache directory" path. An attacker can use it to perform malicious tasks such as to extract, change, or delete sensitive information or run system commands on the underlying operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12941 represents a critical command injection flaw within SeedDMS, a document management system that has undergone multiple rebranding iterations from LetoDMS to MyDMS and finally SeedDMS. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 5.1.8 and stems from insufficient input validation within the application's cache directory configuration functionality. The flaw specifically manifests when an authenticated user with access to the Settings functionality manipulates the cache directory path parameter, allowing for arbitrary system command execution through the Clear Cache functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a path traversal and command injection attack vector that leverages the application's handling of the cacheDir parameter. When an attacker appends system commands to the cache directory path and subsequently triggers the Clear Cache function, the application executes these commands with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-77, where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and encompasses multiple attack vectors that can lead to complete system compromise. An authenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary system commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent access through backdoor creation. The vulnerability allows for information disclosure, data manipulation, and privilege escalation within the context of the web server's execution environment. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to extract confidential information, modify or delete critical system files, and perform reconnaissance activities on the underlying operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper input validation controls. Organizations should upgrade to SeedDMS version 5.1.8 or later, which includes fixes for this command injection vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and escaping mechanisms for all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in system command execution contexts, is essential. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Access controls should be strictly enforced to minimize the number of users with Settings functionality permissions, and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual cache directory modifications or execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating and sanitizing all user inputs, particularly those that may be used in system-level operations, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and vulnerability management.