CVE-2020-6948 in HashBrown
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution issue was discovered in HashBrown CMS through 1.3.3. Server/Entity/Deployer/GitDeployer.js has a Service.AppService.exec call that mishandles the URL, repository, username, and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6948 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within HashBrown CMS versions 1.3.3 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the GitDeployer.js component located within the Server/Entity/Deployer directory structure, where improper handling of user-supplied parameters creates an avenue for malicious exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests in how the Service.AppService.exec function processes input parameters including URLs, repository identifiers, usernames, and passwords, creating a dangerous condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly escape or filter user-provided data before incorporating it into system commands.
This remote code execution vulnerability operates through a command injection pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories, where attacker-controlled data is directly concatenated into system execution calls without proper sanitization. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious input parameters that, when processed by the GitDeployer.js component, result in unintended command execution on the target server. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over the CMS server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The issue demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration where user input flows directly into system-level operations without appropriate validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6948 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on HashBrown CMS. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application service account, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the deployment functionality of the CMS, making it particularly dangerous for environments where automated deployment processes are configured, as attackers can manipulate these workflows to execute malicious code during legitimate deployment operations. Organizations may face significant data loss, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of HashBrown CMS to versions that address the command injection flaw in GitDeployer.js. Security teams must implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-provided parameters before they reach system execution functions, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected CMS components, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar command injection vulnerabilities in other components and establish secure coding practices that prevent improper input handling in system-level operations. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary deployment functionality and implementing principle of least privilege access controls for CMS administrative interfaces.