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The vulnerability resides in the Code Study Plugin of Connect-CMS, where an authenticated user can trigger arbitrary code execution. The plugin allows users to upload or edit code snippets for study purposes. Due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input, a malicious authenticated user can inject PHP code into a snippet that is later evaluated by the server. The flaw exists because the plugin fails to properly validate the file type or content before including or executing the snippet. An attacker with standard editor privileges can craft a payload that, when accessed via the plugin’s execution endpoint, results in remote code execution (RCE) on the underlying web server. The vulnerability affects the 1.x series prior to version 1.41.1 and the 2.x series prior to version 2.41.1. Exploitation requires authentication, which reduces the attack surface but remains critical due to the ability to fully compromise the server, exfiltrate data, or pivot to internal networks. The issue was reported by Sho Odagiri of GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae, Inc. and patched within 24 hours of disclosure. The fix implements strict input validation, disables direct execution of user-supplied code, and restricts snippet handling to safe, sandboxed operations.
Platform: Connect-CMS
Version: Before 1.41.1 & 2.41.1
Vulnerability: Arbitrary Code Execution
Severity: High
date: Mar 23, 2026
Prediction: Patched on Mar23
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What Undercode Say:
Check installed version (1.x series)
grep -E 'VERSION' /path/to/connect-cms/config/version.php
Check installed version (2.x series)
php artisan connect-cms:version
Identify vulnerable Code Study Plugin directory
find /path/to/connect-cms -type d -name "CodeStudy" 2>/dev/null
Quick grep for unsafe eval() usage (pre-patch)
grep -r "eval(" /path/to/connect-cms/Plugin/CodeStudy/
// Pre‑patch vulnerable code snippet (simplified)
public function executeSnippet($code) {
// No input validation – directly evaluates user code
eval($code);
}
how Exploit:
An authenticated attacker with access to the Code Study Plugin creates a new snippet containing <?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>. When the snippet is executed via the plugin’s preview function, the server evaluates the PHP code, allowing the attacker to run arbitrary system commands by supplying the `cmd` parameter in the request.
Protection from this CVE
- Upgrade to Connect-CMS 1.41.1 (1.x series) or 2.41.1 (2.x series) immediately.
- If an upgrade is not possible, disable the Code Study Plugin entirely until the patch can be applied.
- Restrict file permissions on the plugin directory to prevent unauthorized modifications.
- Monitor logs for suspicious snippet creation or execution attempts (e.g.,
eval(), `system()` calls).
Impact:
Successful exploitation grants the attacker the same privileges as the web server user, enabling remote code execution, data theft, website defacement, and lateral movement within the hosting environment. The vulnerability is rated High severity because it requires authenticated access but leads to full system compromise.
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
Extra Source Hub:
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