CVE-2022-25486 in CuppaCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2022
CuppaCMS v1.0 was discovered to contain a local file inclusion via the url parameter in /alerts/alertConfigField.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2022
CVE-2022-25486 represents a critical local file inclusion vulnerability within CuppaCMS version 1.0 that exposes the application to remote code execution and unauthorized access to sensitive system files. This vulnerability resides in the /alerts/alertConfigField.php file where the url parameter is improperly validated and processed, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and improper parameter handling that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths into the application's include statement, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code on the target server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where applications include files based on user-supplied input without proper validation. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to access sensitive files such as configuration databases, system credentials, or application source code, depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The operational impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access through backdoor file deployment or escalate privileges by accessing system-level files. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1505.003 for server-side include attacks and T1078 for valid accounts usage, as attackers can leverage the compromised application to move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a content management system that may be deployed in production environments with limited security hardening, making the attack surface more accessible. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URL parameters that traverse directory structures to reach desired target files, potentially bypassing standard security controls. Organizations utilizing CuppaCMS v1.0 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and application whitelisting to prevent arbitrary file inclusion. Additionally, comprehensive network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications, as even seemingly benign parameters can become attack vectors when not properly sanitized. Security teams must also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their web infrastructure. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software versions and following secure coding practices to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced into production systems.