CVE-2023-39681 in Cuppa
Summary
by MITRE • 09/05/2023
Cuppa CMS v1.0 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability via the email_outgoing parameter at /Configuration.php. This vulnerability is triggered via a crafted payload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-39681 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Cuppa CMS version 1.0, specifically targeting the email_outgoing parameter within the Configuration.php file. This issue demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious code directly into the application's configuration processing mechanism. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, creating an avenue for arbitrary code execution on the affected server. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the target system's configuration endpoint. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, indicating that the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input before using it in code generation contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious actor submits a crafted payload through the email_outgoing parameter in the Configuration.php file. The CMS fails to adequately filter or escape special characters in the input, allowing an attacker to inject shell commands that execute within the context of the web server's privileges. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level, potentially enabling attackers to gain full control over the server, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it resides in a configuration file that may be accessed by legitimate administrators, creating opportunities for both accidental and intentional exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-39681 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once exploited, adversaries can establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malicious software. The vulnerability's presence in a content management system means that attackers could potentially compromise entire websites or web applications that rely on Cuppa CMS for their functionality. Organizations using this version of the CMS face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised system for botnet activities, spam distribution, or as a staging ground for attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates from the Cuppa CMS vendor to resolve the input validation issues in Configuration.php. System administrators should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting the email_outgoing parameter. Input validation should be strengthened through proper sanitization techniques, including the use of allowlists for parameter values and the implementation of proper escaping mechanisms for shell command execution. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual patterns in configuration file access and command execution attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through shell commands, making it essential for security teams to monitor for command and scripting interpreters usage patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation vulnerabilities in other application components, as this flaw represents a common weakness in web application security frameworks.