CVE-2024-56145 in Craft
Summary
by MITRE • 12/18/2024
Craft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS for creating custom digital experiences on the web and beyond. Users of affected versions are affected by this vulnerability if their php.ini configuration has `register_argc_argv` enabled. For these users an unspecified remote code execution vector is present. Users are advised to update to version 4.13.2 or 5.5.2. Users unable to upgrade should disable `register_argc_argv` to mitigate the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56145 affects Craft CMS, a popular content management system designed for creating custom digital experiences. This issue specifically targets installations where the php.ini configuration parameter register_argc_argv is enabled, creating a critical security exposure that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to web application security as it enables unauthorized remote code execution without requiring authentication or privileged access to the system.
The technical flaw stems from the interaction between Craft CMS and PHP's register_argc_argv directive, which when enabled allows command line arguments to be accessible within the PHP environment. This configuration creates an unexpected attack surface where malicious input can be processed through command line argument handling mechanisms, potentially leading to code injection and arbitrary command execution. The unspecified nature of the execution vector suggests that multiple pathways within the CMS could be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals who must consider all possible attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability impacts organizations using affected versions of Craft CMS, particularly those running PHP configurations that enable register_argc_argv. The remote code execution capability means that attackers could potentially gain full control over affected systems, leading to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects both version 4.x and 5.x branches of Craft CMS, requiring immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for maintaining these web applications.
The recommended remediation approach involves upgrading to version 4.13.2 or 5.5.2, which contain patches addressing the underlying security flaw. Organizations unable to perform immediate upgrades should disable the register_argc_argv directive in their php.ini configuration as a temporary mitigation measure. This approach aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE database under CWE-15 which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution through PHP-based applications.
Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish baseline configurations that disable unnecessary PHP directives. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper PHP configuration management and the principle of least privilege in web application security. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of Craft CMS installations and verify that appropriate security measures have been implemented. The issue demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration settings can create significant security risks when combined with vulnerable application code, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and configuration reviews.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and service disruption. Given that Craft CMS is widely used for enterprise and organizational web applications, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial across various industries and use cases. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional monitoring controls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where immediate patching may not be feasible.