CVE-2019-7160 in iCMS
Summary
by MITRE
idreamsoft iCMS 7.0.13 allows admincp.php?app=files ../ Directory Traversal via the udir parameter to files.admincp.php, resulting in execution of arbitrary PHP code from a ZIP file via the admincp.php?app=apps zipfile parameter to apps.admincp.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-7160 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in idreamsoft iCMS version 7.0.13 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through manipulated file upload parameters. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative control panel functionality of the content management system, where the directory traversal occurs in the admincp.php script when processing the udir parameter in files.admincp.php. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and bypass normal access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a multi-step process that begins with the directory traversal attack targeting the udir parameter in the files.admincp.php component. This initial traversal allows attackers to navigate to arbitrary directories on the server filesystem, ultimately enabling them to upload and execute malicious PHP code from ZIP archives. The subsequent exploitation leverages the apps.admincp.php script which processes the zipfile parameter, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution through the administrative interface. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using the affected iCMS version as it provides full administrative access to the web application. Attackers can upload malicious files, execute arbitrary code, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the system. The vulnerability affects the entire administrative functionality of the CMS, making it possible for unauthorized users to gain complete control over the web server hosting the application. This could result in data breaches, service disruption, and complete compromise of the affected systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-434 - Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, both of which are commonly exploited in web application attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage administrative access to execute commands and maintain persistence. The attack chain typically involves initial access through the vulnerable upload functionality, followed by privilege escalation and persistence establishment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7160 require immediate patching of the iCMS application to the latest version that addresses this directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file upload and path manipulation operations. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit administrative access to the CMS, while implementing proper file upload restrictions that prevent execution of PHP files from user-uploaded archives. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other web applications. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file upload activities and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.