CVE-2018-19220 in LAOBANCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in LAOBANCMS 2.0. It allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the host parameter to the install/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19220 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within LAOBANCMS version 2.0, a content management system that serves as a platform for web content management. This vulnerability resides in the installation component of the software, specifically within the install/ URI endpoint where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters. The issue allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it exists during the installation phase, which often occurs in environments where administrative privileges are granted and security controls may be less stringent.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability stems from improper input validation of the host parameter within the installation script. When an attacker submits malicious input through the host parameter, the application fails to sanitize this input before processing it, creating an injection point that can be exploited to execute arbitrary PHP code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a classic example of a code injection attack vector. The attack vector is accessible remotely, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network without requiring local access or authentication credentials. The installation process typically requires administrative privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for the target environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's presence in the installation component means that even systems that have not yet been fully configured could be compromised, potentially affecting the entire deployment lifecycle. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though in this case the execution occurs through PHP code injection rather than PowerShell specifically. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable system, followed by exploitation of the host parameter to inject malicious PHP code, and finally execution of commands with the privileges of the web application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19220 should focus on immediate patching of the LAOBANCMS software to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to installation endpoints, particularly in production environments where these endpoints should not be accessible from external networks. Input validation should be strengthened at the application level to ensure all parameters are properly sanitized before processing, and the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that installation scripts run with minimal required permissions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting known vulnerability patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in administrative and installation components of web applications. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file creation or modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.