CVE-2024-8523 in lmxcms
Summary
by MITRE • 09/07/2024
A vulnerability was found in lmxcms up to 1.4 and classified as critical. Affected by this issue is the function formatData of the file /admin.php?m=Acquisi&a=testcj&lid=1 of the component SQL Command Execution Module. The manipulation of the argument data leads to code injection. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8523 represents a critical code injection flaw within the lmxcms content management system version 1.4 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the SQL Command Execution Module, specifically within the formatData function located in the administrative interface at /admin.php?m=Acquisi&a=testcj&lid=1. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of the data argument parameter, creating a severe security risk for affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its potential for remote exploitation and the disclosed public exploit availability, which significantly increases the likelihood of successful attacks against unpatched systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic code injection pattern where user-controllable input flows directly into SQL command execution without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker manipulates the data argument parameter, the formatData function fails to adequately filter or escape the input before incorporating it into database queries. This allows malicious payloads to be executed within the context of the web application's database operations, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a clear lack of input validation controls, which aligns with CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code) and CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command). The attack vector is remote, meaning no local access or authentication is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this code injection to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, modifying database contents, or even establishing persistent backdoors. The public disclosure of the exploit increases the risk profile significantly, as it provides threat actors with ready-made tools for exploitation without requiring advanced technical skills. The fact that the vendor did not respond to early disclosure attempts suggests either limited support for the product or inadequate security response procedures, leaving affected organizations without official patches or mitigation guidance during the critical period following disclosure.
Organizations utilizing lmxcms versions up to 1.4 should implement immediate mitigations to protect against this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor's official patch or upgrade to the latest supported version of the CMS. Until a proper update is available, administrators should consider implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to the vulnerable administrative interface, particularly disabling direct internet access to the affected endpoint. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before processing. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for rapid containment and remediation. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1041 (Exfiltration Over C2 Channel) when exploited, indicating potential for broader attack chains beyond initial compromise.