CVE-2024-6470 in playSMS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2024
A vulnerability was found in playSMS 1.4.3. It has been rated as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /index.php?app=main&inc=feature_inboxgroup&op=list of the component Template Handler. The manipulation of the argument Receiver Number with the input {{`id`}} leads to injection. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-270278 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
CVE-2024-6470 represents a critical server-side template injection vulnerability within playSMS version 1.4.3 that resides in the Template Handler component. This vulnerability specifically affects the file /index.php?app=main&inc=feature_inboxgroup&op=list functionality where the Receiver Number parameter becomes susceptible to malicious input manipulation. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts input containing the payload {{`id`}} which triggers template processing that allows arbitrary command execution through the injection mechanism. This represents a severe security weakness that directly maps to CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing malicious commands within the target system. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through template injection attacks that bypass normal input validation mechanisms by embedding malicious code within the Receiver Number field. When the application processes this input through its template handler, the {{`id`}} payload gets interpreted as executable code rather than simple data, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the web application. This type of vulnerability typically stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data before template rendering, creating a path for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can escalate privileges or extract sensitive information from the system. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used indicates that threat actors have already developed working methods to leverage this weakness, increasing the urgency for remediation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6470 extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers could use this vulnerability to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive communications, or deploy additional malware within the playSMS environment. Given that playSMS is a messaging platform, the potential for data breaches involving personal communications, business correspondence, or sensitive organizational information is significant. The vulnerability's presence in the inbox group feature suggests that attackers could gain access to message queues and potentially intercept or manipulate communications between users. This risk is compounded by the lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts, indicating potential delays in patch development or deployment that leaves systems exposed for extended periods.
Organizations utilizing playSMS version 1.4.3 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including input validation, web application firewall rules, and network segmentation to limit exposure. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of playSMS where the template injection vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and secure template processing mechanisms. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious activities in their systems, particularly around the affected URL paths and template handler components. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web application accounts and regular security audits of template processing components can help reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing template injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.