CVE-2018-19462 in EmpireCMS
Summary
by MITRE
admin\db\DoSql.php in EmpireCMS through 7.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via SQL injection that uses a .php filename in a SELECT INTO OUTFILE statement to admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19462 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within EmpireCMS versions 7.5 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the admin\db\DoSql.php component which processes database operations through the administrative interface. The flaw specifically manifests when the application handles SQL queries that utilize the SELECT INTO OUTFILE statement, allowing attackers to write arbitrary PHP code to the filesystem. This particular attack vector exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and validation in the database query processing logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute PHP payloads directly on the web server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific pattern where attackers craft malicious SQL injection payloads that leverage the SELECT INTO OUTFILE functionality to write PHP code to a targeted file path. In this case, the attack targets the admin/admin.php file, which serves as the administrative interface for the CMS. The vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation and improper handling of user-supplied input within the database query execution flow. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risk to EmpireCMS installations as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities without requiring authentication. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data theft, system infiltration, and service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the compromised environment. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since it operates through the standard administrative database interface, making it particularly dangerous for systems that expose administrative functions to the internet. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-94, which describes weaknesses in the generation and execution of code, specifically covering insufficient control of generation of code.
The security implications of CVE-2018-19462 extend to multiple ATT&CK tactics including execution through command and scripting interpreter, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability enables adversaries to establish a foothold within the system and potentially move laterally through the network. Organizations running affected EmpireCMS versions face immediate risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools and does not require specialized knowledge to execute. The attack vector also demonstrates weaknesses in input validation and output encoding practices, highlighting the importance of implementing proper security controls throughout the application lifecycle. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for regular security updates and proper input sanitization practices in web applications. Organizations should implement network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the affected EmpireCMS versions and implementation of proper database query validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the application stack.