CVE-2025-48492
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users with Edit component access in GetSimple CMS to inject arbitrary PHP code into component files, leading to remote code execution. It affects GetSimple CMS versions 3.3.16 through 3.3.21. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web server process.
💻 Affected Systems
- GetSimple CMS
📦 What is this software?
Getsimple Cms by Getsimple Ce
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal data, install malware, pivot to internal networks, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Unauthorized code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, or installation of backdoors for future attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict Edit component access to trusted administrators only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once authentication is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.3.22
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/GetSimpleCMS-CE/GetSimpleCMS-CE/security/advisories/GHSA-g435-p72m-p582
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your GetSimple CMS installation and database. 2. Download version 3.3.22 from the official repository. 3. Replace all files with the patched version. 4. Verify the installation works correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Edit Component Access
allLimit Edit component access to only essential, trusted administrators.
Web Application Firewall Rules
allImplement WAF rules to block PHP injection attempts in component parameters.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately restrict Edit component permissions to minimal trusted users only.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the CMS server from critical internal resources.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the GetSimple CMS version in the admin panel or by examining the gsconfig.php file.Check Version:
Check the GSVERSION constant in gsconfig.php or view the admin dashboard.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the version shows 3.3.22 or higher in the admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PHP file modifications in component directories
- Suspicious POST/GET requests to Edit component endpoints with PHP code patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from the web server to external IPs
- Anomalous traffic patterns to/from the CMS server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="/admin/edit.php" OR uri="/admin/component.php") AND (message LIKE "%<?php%" OR message LIKE "%eval(%" OR message LIKE "%system(%")