CVE-2024-48138 in PluXml
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in the component /PluXml/core/admin/parametres_edittpl.php of PluXml v5.8.16 and lower allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via injecting a crafted payload into a template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
This vulnerability exists within the PluXml content management system where the template editing functionality fails to properly validate and sanitize user input. The specific file /PluXml/core/admin/parametres_edittpl.php serves as an entry point for attackers to inject malicious code through template parameters. This represents a critical security flaw that directly enables remote code execution, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain full control over the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that permit arbitrary code injection into template files, which are then processed by the application's rendering engine.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it into the template parameter fields through the administrative interface. The application does not adequately filter or escape special characters, permitting the execution of arbitrary PHP code within the context of the web server process. This flaw directly maps to CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and falls under the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute system commands, upload additional malware, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization using PluXml versions 5.8.16 or earlier. Successful exploitation provides attackers with complete system compromise, enabling them to access sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the administrative interface specifically, meaning that an attacker who can access the admin panel or find a way to bypass authentication could exploit this flaw. This creates a significant risk for websites running PluXml, particularly those with weak administrative security practices or exposed admin interfaces.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected PluXml versions to the latest stable release where this vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, enforce strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication, and monitor for suspicious activities in the template editing components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block template injection attempts can provide an additional layer of protection. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1059.008 for PowerShell, indicating that attackers may use these techniques to execute malicious code once they gain access through the template injection. Regular security audits and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues in custom applications and to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing.