CVE-2020-26041
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-26041 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Hoosk CMS v1.8.0's install/index.php file that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This affects all Hoosk CMS v1.8.0 installations with the vulnerable install script accessible. Attackers can gain complete control over the web server.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hoosk CMS
📦 What is this software?
Hoosk by Hoosk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal data, install malware, pivot to internal networks, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Web server compromise leading to website defacement, data theft, cryptocurrency mining, or use as part of a botnet.
If Mitigated
No impact if install directory is properly removed or access is blocked before production deployment.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept exists on GitHub showing how to exploit the vulnerability. The exploit requires no authentication and is straightforward to execute.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Unknown
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Remove the vulnerable install directory or upgrade to a newer version if available.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove install directory
allDelete or rename the install directory to prevent access to the vulnerable script
rm -rf /path/to/hoosk/install/
mv /path/to/hoosk/install/ /path/to/hoosk/install_backup/
Block access via web server configuration
allConfigure web server to deny access to the install directory
# Apache: Add to .htaccess
<Directory "/path/to/hoosk/install">
Order deny,allow
Deny from all
</Directory>
# Nginx: Add to server block
location /install/ {
deny all;
return 403;
}
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate the vulnerable system
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to block access to install scripts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if /install/index.php exists and is accessible via web browser or curl: curl -I http://target/install/index.phpCheck Version:
Check Hoosk CMS version in configuration files or admin panelVerify Fix Applied:
Verify install directory is removed or returns 403/404: curl -I http://target/install/index.php📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /install/index.php with suspicious parameters
- Unusual POST requests to install directory
- System commands being executed from web process
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from web server to suspicious IPs
- Unusual traffic patterns from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="/install/index.php" OR uri CONTAINS "/install/")