CVE-2018-20300 in Empire
Summary
by MITRE
Empire CMS 7.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the ftemp parameter in an enews=EditMemberForm action because this code is injected into a memberform.$fid.php file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2020
Empire CMS version 7.5 contains a critical remote code execution vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20300 that stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the member form handling functionality. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface where the ftemp parameter in the enews=EditMemberForm action is processed without adequate security controls, creating a path for remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code directly into the system.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the application handles the ftemp parameter during member form editing operations. When an administrator processes a member form update through the enews=EditMemberForm action, the system accepts the ftemp parameter value and directly incorporates it into a file named memberform.$fid.php without proper sanitization or validation. This injection mechanism allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains and aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing code to be executed as a result of unsanitized input. The attack vector represents a classic server-side request forgery scenario where an attacker manipulates parameters to inject malicious code into the application's file system. The operational impact is severe as successful exploitation enables attackers to gain full control over the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that lack proper network segmentation or intrusion detection systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The implications extend beyond immediate code execution as this vulnerability can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks targeting the broader infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Empire CMS 7.5 should implement immediate mitigations including patching the application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter inputs, and conducting thorough security audits of the affected system. Additionally, network segmentation should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat posed by this vulnerability. Regular security monitoring and input validation controls should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future system deployments.