CVE-2020-18185:PluXml 5.7 contains a code injection vulnerability in class.plx.admin.php that allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the configuration file in a Linux environment.

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CVE-2020-18185 affects PluXml version 5.7, specifically in the class.plx.admin.php component. This vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code by modifying the configuration file when running in a Linux environment. The issue is classified as CWE-94 (Code Injection), which occurs when software does not properly validate input that can affect the control flow or data flow of a program. This vulnerability could potentially lead to complete system compromise if exploited successfully.

Overview

PluXml is a lightweight content management system (CMS) that uses XML files instead of a traditional database. The vulnerability exists in the admin class file (class.plx.admin.php) of PluXml version 5.7. An attacker with certain access privileges can modify the configuration file to include malicious PHP code that will be executed by the application. This code injection vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the server, steal sensitive information, or further compromise the system. The vulnerability is only exploitable in Linux environments, which limits its scope but still represents a significant security risk for affected installations.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, system administrators and users should:

  1. Update PluXml to a version newer than 5.7 that contains the security fix for this issue
  2. Implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data
  3. Restrict access to administrative functions to trusted users only
  4. Consider implementing file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to configuration files
  5. Review server logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
  6. If unable to update immediately, consider implementing additional access controls or web application firewall rules to mitigate the risk

References

  1. GitHub Issue: https://github.com/pluxml/PluXml/issues/321 - Contains details about the vulnerability and possibly proof-of-concept exploits
  2. CWE-94: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/94.html - Information about Code Injection vulnerabilities
  3. MITRE CVE Entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2020-18185

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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