CVE-2020-35339 in 74cms
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
In 74cms version 5.0.1, there is a remote code execution vulnerability in /Application/Admin/Controller/ConfigController.class.php and /ThinkPHP/Common/functions.php where attackers can obtain server permissions and control the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-35339 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting 74cms version 5.0.1. This vulnerability manifests in two primary files within the application's codebase: /Application/Admin/Controller/ConfigController.class.php and /ThinkPHP/Common/functions.php. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of user-supplied data in configuration management functions, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the compromised system. Security researchers have classified this as a severe issue due to its remote exploitation capability and the potential for full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of insecure parameter handling within the configuration controller, where attacker-supplied input is directly processed without proper sanitization. The flaw allows for code injection attacks that can be leveraged to execute malicious commands on the target server. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and is particularly concerning as it operates within the administrative controller context, providing attackers with elevated privileges. The attack vector is remote, meaning no local access is required, and the exploitation can occur through web-based interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly exploited in web application attacks, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-35339 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete server control capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire 74cms 5.0.1 release, making it a widespread concern for organizations using this specific version. The compromise of administrative functions means that attackers can modify system configurations, create new administrative accounts, and potentially disrupt business operations. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected systems, representing a significant risk to organizational security posture.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to a patched version of 74cms, applying the vendor-provided security patches, and implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to administrative interfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous code execution patterns and unauthorized configuration changes. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation rules can help prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement opportunities once initial access is gained. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications and systems.