CVE-2024-31022 in CandyCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2024
An issue was discovered in CandyCMS version 1.0.0, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the install.php component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31022 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within CandyCMS version 1.0.0 that exposes the application to severe security risks. This issue specifically targets the install.php component, which serves as a crucial entry point for the CMS installation process. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web server. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the installation script, creating an attack surface where malicious payloads can be seamlessly executed without proper authorization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input parameters within the install.php file. When the installation process processes certain variables, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the data, enabling attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed during the installation phase. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, where user-controllable data is directly incorporated into system commands or code execution contexts. The vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially allowing them to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or perform further reconnaissance activities.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2024-31022 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise and data integrity threats. Organizations running CandyCMS 1.0.0 are at significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This makes it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible and lack proper network segmentation or intrusion detection measures. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the installation script is typically accessible during the initial deployment phase, providing attackers with multiple opportunities to exploit the flaw.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches or updates provided by the CandyCMS development team. Organizations must implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to the install.php component and other potentially vulnerable endpoints. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the web server operates with minimal required permissions and that sensitive installation files are not accessible to unauthorized users. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls across multiple attack vectors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the web application stack, ensuring that the organization maintains a robust security posture against evolving threats.