CVE-2018-7448 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
Remote code execution vulnerability in /cmsms-2.1.6-install.php/index.php in CMS Made Simple version 2.1.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code via the "timezone" parameter in step 4 of a fresh installation procedure.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-7448 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in CMS Made Simple version 2.1.6 that specifically targets the installation process. This vulnerability exists within the /cmsms-2.1.6-install.php/index.php file and affects the fresh installation procedure at step 4 where users are prompted to configure their timezone settings. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the "timezone" parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code during the installation phase. This represents a severe security weakness as it provides attackers with the ability to execute code on the target system before the CMS is fully operational, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper validation of dangerous data in the context of code execution. The flaw occurs during the installation process when the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into the system configuration. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious timezone values that contain PHP code snippets, which then get executed during the installation process. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting PHP execution within the web application context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during system setup when security controls may be less stringent and administrative privileges are often granted to the installation process.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7448 is substantial as it allows remote attackers to gain full control over the target system without requiring any prior authentication or access. During the installation phase, when the system is most vulnerable and potentially unmonitored, attackers can inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the web server process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, backdoor installation, or the ability to pivot to other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that are in the process of deploying or upgrading CMS Made Simple installations, making it particularly dangerous for environments where new installations are being set up. The attack surface is broad as any system with an exposed installation interface is potentially vulnerable, especially in cloud environments or shared hosting scenarios where installation scripts might be publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7448 should focus on immediate remediation through the official CMS Made Simple update to version 2.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that installation directories are not publicly accessible and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized users from reaching the installation interface. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to installation scripts, particularly during the deployment phase. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules to detect and block suspicious timezone parameter values can provide additional protection layers. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual installation activities or code execution patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing injection flaws in web applications.