CVE-2023-6901 in Stupid Simple CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS up to 1.2.3. This affects an unknown part of the file /terminal/handle-command.php of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument command with the input whoami leads to os command injection. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-248259.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2024
This critical vulnerability exists within codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS version 1.2.3 and specifically targets the HTTP POST Request Handler component located in the /terminal/handle-command.php file. The flaw represents a classic operating system command injection vulnerability that arises from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's terminal handling functionality. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP POST request containing a command parameter that executes arbitrary operating system commands through the application's interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the command argument parameter within the HTTP POST request sent to the vulnerable endpoint. When an attacker submits the string "whoami" as the command value, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before passing it to the underlying operating system shell. This allows the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web application user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's classification as critical by security researchers reflects its severe implications for system security and the ease with which it can be exploited. Given that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is available for use, the risk of exploitation is immediate and widespread. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses command injection flaws and the improper handling of external inputs.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant since it affects any installation of codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS version 1.2.3 or earlier that exposes the terminal functionality to external network traffic. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information, potentially leading to data breaches, system takeover, or further lateral movement within network environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability enables techniques such as command and control communication, privilege escalation, and initial access through network service exploitation. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this CMS should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and access controls to prevent unauthorized command execution. The most effective remediation approach involves patching the application to properly sanitize all user-supplied input before processing, implementing proper authentication controls for terminal access, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components.