CVE-2019-10774 in php-shellcommand
Summary
by MITRE
php-shellcommand versions before 1.6.1 have a command injection vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10774 affects php-shellcommand library versions prior to 1.6.1, representing a critical command injection flaw that exposes systems to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the library's command execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands through improperly validated user inputs.
The technical flaw manifests when the library processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate command parameters and inject malicious shell commands. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws where external input is directly incorporated into shell commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability exists at the interface between user input and system command execution, where the library fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could alter the intended command structure.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application process. This presents a severe risk to organizations relying on vulnerable versions of the library, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, establish persistence mechanisms, or escalate privileges within the affected system. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potential lateral movement within network environments and data exfiltration capabilities.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to php-shellcommand version 1.6.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious command patterns, restricting file permissions on vulnerable applications, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in custom implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns and maintain updated vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically highlighting the exploitation of command injection vulnerabilities for remote code execution.