CmsEasy Remote Code Execution (RCE) Scanner

CmsEasy is a content management system often utilized by small to medium-sized businesses and personal projects for building and managing websites with ease. It facilitates the creation, publication, and management of diverse content types. CmsEasy offers a user-friendly interface, robust customization options, and a variety of built-in features, making it a popular choice for users with varying technical expertise. Organizations leverage CmsEasy to maintain a digital presence, engage users through content, and manage websites without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Its adaptability allows businesses to customize their websites according to specific branding and functionality needs. Despite its simplicity in deployment, maintaining security remains crucial due to potential exposure to web-based threats.

A Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a target server by exploiting a flaw within the software. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged to gain control or access sensitive data. The threat arises from unsanitized input fields in web applications, which can be manipulated by attackers to inject and execute malicious code on the server. Given its severity, RCEs can lead to significant security breaches, data theft, or server manipulation. Effective mitigation consists of adopting robust security measures to sanitize inputs and control the execution permissions of critical commands. Understanding RCE vulnerabilities is vital for identifying security vulnerabilities and securing applications accordingly.

In this scanner, a vulnerability is identified in the "index.php" file of CmsEasy where insufficient input sanitization permits command execution. The vulnerable endpoint is the "index.php?case=manage&act=guestadd&manage=archive&guest=1" path. Attackers may exploit this by submitting specifically crafted inputs to trigger remote command execution via PHP functions like "phpinfo()". The presence of certain output, such as "PHP Version" and "Configuration File (php.ini)," confirms the exploit's success. The vulnerability facilitates the injection of system-level commands that are executed by the server hosting the application. Understanding the injection point and parameters is essential for developing effective mitigations and securing the application.

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized command execution, potentially compromising sensitive data or infrastructure. Attackers could gain shell access, allowing them to modify or delete data, install malicious software, or pivot to other systems within the network. A successful exploit could lead to persistent threats and unnoticed surveillance of ongoing business operations. It highlights the potential for consequential data breaches and operational disruptions. Secure coding practices and vigilant input verification processes are necessary to prevent exploitation and ensure the integrity of affected applications. Addressing such vulnerabilities is critical for maintaining a secure web environment.