CVE-2018-16320 in iCMS
Summary
by MITRE
idreamsoft iCMS 7.0.11 allows admincp.php?app=config Directory Traversal, resulting in execution of arbitrary PHP code from a ZIP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16320 affects idreamsoft iCMS version 7.0.11 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the administrative control panel. This vulnerability exists in the admincp.php file when processing the app=config parameter, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to the system's file structure. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly used in file system operations without proper authorization checks or path normalization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit the directory traversal mechanism by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. When the application processes the config parameter, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, enabling attackers to navigate to arbitrary directories within the web root. This weakness specifically manifests when the application attempts to load configuration files from a ZIP archive, where the directory traversal occurs during the extraction or file access phase. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a directory traversal attack, which enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. By leveraging the directory traversal flaw, an attacker can upload and extract a malicious ZIP file containing PHP scripts that will be executed with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a persistent backdoor or allows for complete system compromise, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, or further exploitation of other vulnerable systems. The vulnerability directly enables code execution in violation of the principle of least privilege and can result in full system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of defense to address both the immediate flaw and prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a version that resolves the directory traversal vulnerability in the administrative interface. Input validation should be strengthened to prevent malicious path manipulation, with proper sanitization of all user-supplied parameters before they are processed. The application should implement proper access controls and authentication checks for administrative functions, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive configuration interfaces. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and restricting web server access to sensitive directories can limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1021.002 for remote services, representing a critical security gap that requires immediate remediation to protect against unauthorized code execution and system compromise.