CVE-2024-6936 in Form Tools
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in formtools.org Form Tools 3.1.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/settings/index.php?page=accounts of the component Setting Handler. The manipulation of the argument Page Theme leads to code injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-271991. 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 • 10/02/2024
CVE-2024-6936 represents a critical code injection vulnerability within Form Tools 3.1.1 that resides in the Setting Handler component of the application. This vulnerability specifically affects the /admin/settings/index.php?page=accounts endpoint where the Page Theme argument becomes susceptible to manipulation. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious code through improper input validation and sanitization of the Page Theme parameter, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates the severity of potential impact on system integrity and user data confidentiality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of code injection attacks where user-controllable input directly influences the application's execution flow. When an attacker manipulates the Page Theme argument, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it within the settings handler context. This allows malicious payloads to be executed within the application's environment, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, or access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from external networks without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Form Tools 3.1.1 as it can lead to complete system compromise if exploited successfully. The attack vector through the settings handler component suggests that even administrative functions become vulnerable, potentially allowing attackers to modify application configurations, access user accounts, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is available for use significantly increases the threat surface, as malicious actors can immediately leverage this weakness against vulnerable installations. Organizations running this version of Form Tools face immediate risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest patches from Form Tools if available, implementing strict input validation for all user-controllable parameters, and employing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper validation of dangerous or unexpected inputs leading to code injection, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their Form Tools installations, review access controls for administrative endpoints, and implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if compromise occurs. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure indicates a critical gap in the security update process that organizations must address through proactive security measures and alternative mitigation strategies.