CVE-2019-15503 in Prontus
Summary
by MITRE
cgi-cpn/xcoding/prontus_videocut.cgi in AltaVoz Prontus (aka ProntusCMS) through 12.0.3.0 has "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," allowing attackers to execute OS commands via an HTTP GET parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15503 affects the AltaVoz Prontus content management system, specifically within the cgi-cpn/xcoding/prontus_videocut.cgi component. This issue represents a critical command injection flaw that exists in versions up to 12.0.3.0 of the ProntusCMS platform. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the video cutting functionality, which processes HTTP GET parameters without proper security measures. This allows malicious actors to inject operating system commands through crafted parameter values, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests as improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands, which aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input from HTTP GET parameters is directly incorporated into system command execution without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs containing OS command injection payloads that bypass normal input validation checks. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution at the operating system level, enabling attackers to perform actions such as file manipulation, process control, and system reconnaissance.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using ProntusCMS, particularly those with web applications that handle video processing or media management. The impact extends beyond simple command execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the video cutting component, which suggests that any user with access to the affected web interface could potentially exploit this weakness. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires minimal specialized knowledge to exploit and can be automated through web-based attack tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15503 should focus on immediate patching of the affected ProntusCMS versions to the latest available release that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement robust input validation and sanitization measures, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of special characters in all user-supplied inputs. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected web application to untrusted users. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) indicates that defensive measures should include monitoring for unusual command execution patterns and implementing principle of least privilege access controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the CMS or related systems.