CVE-2020-6756 in PixelStor 5000
Summary
by MITRE
languageOptions.php in Rasilient PixelStor 5000 K:4.0.1580-20150629 (KDI Version) allows unauthenticated attackers to remotely execute code via the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6756 affects the Rasilient PixelStor 5000 storage system running version K:4.0.1580-20150629, specifically within the languageOptions.php component. This critical security flaw represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers without requiring any valid credentials or prior access to the system. The vulnerability manifests through the lang parameter in the languageOptions.php script, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code that gets executed on the target system with the privileges of the web application. The flaw falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that enables attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely outside the normal authentication mechanisms of the system, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the affected web service.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious request to the languageOptions.php endpoint with a specially crafted lang parameter that triggers code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over the affected storage system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or disruption of storage services. The impact extends beyond simple remote code execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects a storage system that typically handles sensitive organizational data, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to access critical business information. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on the PixelStor 5000 platform for their data storage needs, as it provides an attack vector that bypasses standard security controls.
Organizations utilizing the affected Rasilient PixelStor 5000 systems must implement immediate mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the input validation flaw in the languageOptions.php component. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls or similar protections to filter malicious input before it reaches the vulnerable component. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, making it a significant concern for threat actors who may leverage it as part of broader attack campaigns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper sanitization in web applications, as highlighted by industry best practices in secure coding standards and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.