CVE-2019-7580 in ThinkCMF
Summary
by MITRE
ThinkCMF 5.0.190111 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the portal/admin_category/addpost.html alias parameter because the mishandling of a single quote character allows data/conf/route.php injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7580 affects ThinkCMF version 5.0.190111, a popular content management framework for php applications. This remote code execution flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the portal/admin_category/addpost.html endpoint. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the alias parameter which is susceptible to injection attacks due to inadequate handling of special characters, particularly single quotes. This represents a critical security weakness that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary php code on the affected system. The flaw resides in how the application processes user-supplied input for route configuration files, creating a path for malicious data injection that bypasses normal security controls. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input that includes single quote characters, which then get processed and written to the data/conf/route.php file without proper sanitization. This injection occurs during the handling of category addition requests, where the alias parameter is directly incorporated into the configuration file without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with common web application attack vectors and can be categorized under CWE-94, which represents "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack chain begins with an attacker submitting a malicious payload through the alias parameter in the addpost.html endpoint. When the application processes this input, the single quote character is not properly escaped or sanitized, allowing the attacker to inject arbitrary php code into the route.php configuration file. This configuration file serves as a critical component in the application's routing mechanism, making it an ideal target for code injection attacks. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to modify the application's routing behavior and execute arbitrary php commands with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7580 extends beyond simple code execution, creating a significant risk landscape for organizations using ThinkCMF 5.0.190111. Remote code execution vulnerabilities of this nature can result in full system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, steal sensitive data, modify application content, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for attacks on other systems within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive for automated attacks. The injection into the data/conf/route.php file creates a persistent threat that remains active until the configuration file is manually corrected or the application is updated. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, data breaches, and potential legal consequences if systems remain unpatched, as this vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP." The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability affects the core routing functionality of the application, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate how the application processes requests and redirects traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7580 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ThinkCMF version, as the vendor has released updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures at all entry points, particularly for parameters that are written to configuration files. The implementation of proper escaping mechanisms for special characters, including single quotes, should be enforced throughout the application codebase. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious patterns in requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input handling vulnerabilities that could exist in other parts of the application. System administrators should also monitor for unauthorized modifications to configuration files and implement proper access controls for sensitive directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in applications that dynamically generate configuration files. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and limit the lateral movement capabilities of attackers who successfully compromise systems through this vulnerability.