CVE-2018-19196 in XiaoCms
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in XiaoCms 20141229. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using the type parameter to bypass the standard admin\controller\uploadfile.php restrictions on uploaded file types (jpg, jpeg, bmp, png, gif), as demonstrated by an admin/index.php?c=uploadfile&a=uploadify_upload&type=php URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19196 resides within XiaoCms version 20141229, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This issue specifically targets the administrative interface of the content management system where the type parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter validation and input sanitization that directly violates fundamental security principles.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the type parameter within the administrative interface to bypass standard security controls and authentication mechanisms. This allows unauthorized individuals to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code with the same permissions as the legitimate administrator. The vulnerability stems from inadequate filtering of user inputs, enabling attackers to inject malicious payloads that are subsequently processed by the application without proper validation. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a primary weakness in software security implementations. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based interactions, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access and can be exploited remotely from any location with internet connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on XiaoCms for content management, as the compromise of administrative functions can lead to widespread data breaches and service disruption. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if their systems are compromised through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19196 must focus on immediate patching of the affected XiaoCms version to address the input validation flaw and implement comprehensive monitoring of administrative access patterns. Security teams should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts, while also implementing strict input validation rules that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their content management systems and establish regular update schedules to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary administrative functions, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and establishing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise and ensure that all administrative interfaces are protected through proper authentication mechanisms, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and command and control operations.