CVE-2023-0788 in phpmyfaq
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2023
Code Injection in GitHub repository thorsten/phpmyfaq prior to 3.1.11.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0788 represents a critical code injection flaw discovered in the thorsten/phpmyfaq GitHub repository affecting versions prior to 3.1.11. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's code processing logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data is improperly handled during database operations and content rendering processes, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" in software applications. This weakness occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into executable code without proper validation or sanitization, enabling attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input. The flaw exists in the phpMyFAQ application's handling of user inputs within database query construction and content management functions, where parameter binding or input filtering mechanisms are insufficient to prevent malicious code injection attempts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing affected versions of phpMyFAQ, as it could enable remote code execution capabilities that would allow attackers to gain full control over the affected systems. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise to include potential system takeover, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify database contents, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that no authentication is required to attempt exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses all functionalities within the phpMyFAQ application that process user inputs, including but not limited to search functions, form submissions, and database management interfaces. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 - "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.007 - "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as attackers could potentially inject malicious scripts or commands through the vulnerable code execution pathways. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to phpMyFAQ version 3.1.11 or later, which contains proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additional protective measures should include network segmentation, web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any potential related vulnerabilities within the application ecosystem and ensure comprehensive protection against similar code injection threats.