CVE-2018-7271 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in MetInfo 6.0.0. In install/install.php in the installation process, the config/config_db.php configuration file filtering is not rigorous: one can insert malicious code in the installation process to execute arbitrary commands or obtain a web shell.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7271 represents a critical security flaw in MetInfo 6.0.0 that originates during the software installation process. This issue specifically affects the install/install.php file where the configuration file generation lacks proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the installation procedure by injecting malicious code into the config/config_db.php file, which creates a pathway for remote code execution and potential system compromise. The vulnerability stems from inadequate filtering of user-supplied input during database configuration setup, making it particularly dangerous as it occurs during the initial deployment phase when administrators are configuring the application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and CWE-74, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')." The flaw manifests when the installation script fails to properly sanitize parameters passed during database configuration, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed during the installation process. This injection can occur through database host, username, password, or database name fields, where the application does not adequately validate or escape user input before writing it to the configuration file. The vulnerability essentially creates a code injection vector that enables attackers to execute malicious commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7271 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a direct path to gain remote code execution capabilities on systems running MetInfo 6.0.0. During the installation phase, when administrators typically configure database connections and other system parameters, attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious code that gets written to the configuration file. This allows for the execution of arbitrary commands, potential privilege escalation, and ultimately the establishment of persistent backdoors or web shells. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the installation process itself, meaning that any system administrator who performs the installation could unknowingly compromise their entire infrastructure. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7271 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should first apply the official patch provided by MetInfo developers to resolve the vulnerable installation script. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to installation directories and prevent unauthorized modification of configuration files. Security controls should include input validation at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization of all user inputs, proper file permissions on configuration directories, and network-level restrictions on installation endpoints. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that installation processes run with minimal required permissions and that configuration files are protected from unauthorized modification. Regular security audits should verify that no malicious code has been injected into existing installations, and monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual file modifications or execution patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices during installation processes and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components.