CVE-2019-9082 in ThinkPHP
Summary
by MITRE
ThinkPHP before 3.2.4, as used in Open Source BMS v1.1.1 and other products, allows Remote Command Execution via public//?s=index/\think\app/invokefunction&function=call_user_func_array&vars[0]=system&vars[1][]= followed by the command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9082 represents a critical remote command execution flaw in ThinkPHP versions prior to 3.2.4, which has been exploited in various open source products including Open Source BMS v1.1.1. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the framework's routing and parameter handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on affected servers. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the public/index.php entry point, where the framework's internal function invocation mechanism fails to properly validate or escape parameters passed to system functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted URL structure that leverages ThinkPHP's dynamic function invocation capability. Attackers can construct malicious requests using the pattern public//?s=index/ thinkphp/invokefunction&function=call_user_func_array&vars[0]=system&vars[1][]= followed by their desired command. This technique exploits the framework's ability to dynamically call functions based on user input, bypassing normal security controls and directly invoking the system command execution function. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software security where untrusted data is passed directly to system commands without proper sanitization or validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9082 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Once executed, the vulnerability enables unauthorized users to run any command available on the target system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, service disruption, or lateral movement within network environments. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system utilities and programming languages to execute malicious commands. Organizations running vulnerable versions of ThinkPHP are at significant risk of being compromised, with potential for persistent backdoor installation and comprehensive system infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to ThinkPHP version 3.2.4 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious request patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary function calls, implementing strict input validation at all application entry points, and conducting thorough security audits of web applications using ThinkPHP. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping software dependencies updated and following secure coding practices that prevent direct user input from reaching system command execution functions, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security recommendations for preventing injection vulnerabilities.