CVE-2025-30091 in Tiny MoxieManager PHP
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2025
In Tiny MoxieManager PHP before 4.0.0, remote code execution can occur in the installer command. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code. Attacker-controlled data to InstallCommand can be inserted into config.php, and InstallCommand is available after an installation has completed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-30091 affects Tiny MoxieManager PHP versions prior to 4.0.0 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability specifically targets the installer command functionality within the application's installation process, creating a persistent backdoor that allows attackers to inject malicious code into the system. The flaw resides in how the application handles the InstallCommand parameter, which can be manipulated to execute arbitrary commands on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates during the installation phase, giving attackers the opportunity to compromise the system before it is fully operational and potentially before security measures are properly configured.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the installer component. When an attacker provides malicious data to the InstallCommand parameter, this data can be written directly to the config.php file without proper sanitization or execution controls. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, where user-controllable input is directly executed as code without proper validation. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat because the InstallCommand functionality remains accessible even after the initial installation process completes, meaning that attackers can continue to exploit this weakness long after the system appears to be operational. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate defense-in-depth measures that should have prevented arbitrary code execution from occurring during or after the installation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once exploited, an attacker can execute any command that the web server process has permissions to run, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Tiny MoxieManager for file management and content editing capabilities, particularly those in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted networks or users. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no credentials are required to exploit the vulnerability, making it especially dangerous for publicly accessible installations. This vulnerability can be leveraged for various malicious activities including but not limited to creating backdoors, establishing persistent access, and conducting reconnaissance activities to identify other potential targets within the network infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Tiny MoxieManager version 4.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection flaw. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the application to untrusted networks, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities related to configuration file modifications. The patch addresses the core issue by implementing proper input validation and sanitization of the InstallCommand parameter, preventing malicious data from being written to the config.php file. Additionally, organizations should review their deployment practices to ensure that installation processes are properly secured and that the application is not running with elevated privileges that would allow command execution. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on command injection prevention and input validation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.