CVE-2018-14716 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The SEOmatic plugin for Craft CMS prior to version 3.1.4 is vulnerable to Server Side Template Injection (SSTI) leading to potential Twig code execution.

Understanding CVE-2018-14716

Craft CMS SEOmatic plugin versions before 3.1.4 are susceptible to a Server Side Template Injection (SSTI) vulnerability.

What is CVE-2018-14716?

This CVE identifies a security flaw in the SEOmatic plugin for Craft CMS that allows the execution of Twig code due to incorrect canonical URL generation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14716

The vulnerability enables attackers to inject and execute malicious Twig code, potentially compromising the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14716

Craft CMS SEOmatic plugin versions prior to 3.1.4 are at risk due to a Server Side Template Injection vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Requests not corresponding to any elements can trigger incorrect canonical URL generation, facilitating the execution of Twig code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SEOmatic plugin
Vendor: Craft CMS
Versions affected: All versions before 3.1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating requests to trigger the incorrect canonical URL generation, allowing the execution of malicious Twig code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-14716.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the SEOmatic plugin to version 3.1.4 or newer to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software and plugins to their latest versions.
Implement strict input validation to prevent injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Craft CMS users should apply the latest version of the SEOmatic plugin (3.1.4 or above) to address the SSTI vulnerability.