CVE-2018-17030 in BigTree
Summary
by MITRE
BigTree CMS 4.2.23 allows remote authenticated users, if possessing privileges to set hooks, to execute arbitrary code via /core/admin/auto-modules/forms/process.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17030 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within BigTree CMS version 4.2.23 that demonstrates a dangerous privilege escalation vector. This vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users who possess the ability to set hooks within the CMS administration interface, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The flaw exists within the auto-modules forms processing functionality, specifically in the /core/admin/auto-modules/forms/process.php file, which serves as a critical component in the CMS's module management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the hook setting functionality. When authenticated users with appropriate privileges submit data through the auto-modules forms processing endpoint, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into system operations. This inadequate validation creates a code injection vulnerability that allows maliciously crafted input to be executed as system commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper validation of dangerous or unexpected input, and specifically manifests as a code injection flaw that can be leveraged for remote code execution. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that get processed through the vulnerable endpoint, potentially gaining full control over the CMS server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, adversaries can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised CMS as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on BigTree CMS for content management, particularly those with multiple administrators or users who have hook-setting privileges. The attack vector requires authentication, which means that unauthorized access cannot occur directly, but the presence of compromised accounts or weak credential management can quickly turn this vulnerability into a significant threat. This flaw demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege in web application security, as users with elevated privileges can inadvertently create dangerous attack surfaces.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting administrative privileges to only essential personnel, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, and applying the vendor-provided patch for BigTree CMS 4.2.23. Security monitoring should focus on unusual activity in hook-setting functionality and unexpected code execution patterns within the CMS environment. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. Regular security assessments of CMS platforms should include review of administrative privilege assignments and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the system.