CVE-2022-50806 in 4images
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2026
4images 1.9 contains a remote command execution vulnerability that allows authenticated administrators to inject reverse shell code through template editing functionality. Attackers can save malicious code in the template and execute arbitrary commands by accessing a specific categories.php endpoint with a crafted cat_id parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-50806 represents a critical remote command execution flaw in 4images version 1.9 that directly impacts the security posture of web applications relying on this content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts and leverages the template editing functionality as an attack vector, demonstrating a dangerous privilege escalation scenario where legitimate administrative access can be weaponized for unauthorized system compromise. The flaw exists within the application's handling of template modifications and subsequent execution paths that process category-related requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the template editing module of 4images. When administrators save malicious code within template files, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before executing it in the context of the web server process. The exploitation mechanism involves crafting a specific cat_id parameter in the categories.php endpoint that triggers the execution of previously saved malicious code. This represents a classic server-side code injection vulnerability that operates under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" with direct implications for command execution and system compromise. The attack requires only administrative authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses many traditional network-level security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-50806 extends far beyond simple data theft or modification, as successful exploitation enables full system compromise through reverse shell execution capabilities. An attacker with administrative privileges can establish persistent access to the underlying server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and further exploitation of adjacent systems. The vulnerability's exploitation path aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web application interfaces. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a significant failure in the application's security architecture, as it allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-50806 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves applying the official patch or upgrade to 4images version 1.9.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms for template editing functionality. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter patterns in the categories.php endpoint. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation at multiple layers and demonstrates why CWE-170 should be considered when designing secure web applications. Regular security audits of template systems, implementation of proper access controls, and monitoring of administrative activities are essential defensive measures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege principles for administrative accounts and regularly review access permissions to prevent unauthorized template modifications that could lead to similar vulnerabilities in the future.