CVE-2021-47788: WebsiteBaker 2.13.0 RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2021-47788 Overview

CVE-2021-47788 is an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability affecting WebsiteBaker 2.13.0. This vulnerability allows users with language editing permissions to execute arbitrary code on the server by manipulating language installation parameters through the language installation endpoint. The flaw is classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type), indicating improper validation of file uploads during the language installation process.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers with language editing privileges can achieve full remote code execution on the underlying server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.

Affected Products

• WebsiteBaker 2.13.0
• Potentially earlier versions of WebsiteBaker (unconfirmed)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-16 - CVE-2021-47788 published to NVD
• 2026-01-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2021-47788

Vulnerability Analysis

This authenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in WebsiteBaker's language installation functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of language installation parameters, allowing an authenticated user with language editing permissions to inject and execute arbitrary code on the server.

The attack requires network access and valid credentials with specific permissions (language editing capabilities), making this an authenticated attack scenario. However, once these prerequisites are met, exploitation requires no user interaction and can result in complete compromise of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2021-47788 is classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type). The language installation endpoint fails to properly validate and sanitize the content being processed during language package installation. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that bypasses security controls and results in arbitrary code being written to and executed on the server.

The vulnerability arises because:

• The application does not adequately validate the type or contents of files during language installation
• User-controlled input in language installation parameters is not properly sanitized
• The application executes or includes uploaded content without sufficient security checks

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted over the network by an authenticated user with language editing permissions. The attacker exploits the language installation endpoint by manipulating installation parameters to inject malicious code.

The exploitation flow involves:

1. Authenticating to the WebsiteBaker administrative interface with an account that has language editing permissions
2. Navigating to the language installation functionality
3. Crafting a malicious request that manipulates language installation parameters
4. The server processes the malicious input without proper validation
5. Arbitrary code is executed with the privileges of the web server process

For detailed exploitation information, refer to the Exploit-DB #50310 entry and the VulnCheck Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2021-47788

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected files with executable code (.php, .phtml) appearing in language directories or temporary folders
• Unusual HTTP POST requests to language installation endpoints with atypical parameters
• Web server processes spawning unexpected child processes or shell commands
• Modified or newly created files in the WebsiteBaker installation directory outside of normal update cycles

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for suspicious requests to language installation endpoints (e.g., /admin/languages/)
• Implement file integrity monitoring on the WebsiteBaker installation directory to detect unauthorized modifications
• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing code injection patterns in language installation parameters
• Review authentication logs for accounts with language editing permissions accessing administrative functions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for WebsiteBaker administrative actions and review regularly
• Set up alerts for file creation events in web-accessible directories, particularly in language-related paths
• Monitor system process trees for web server workers executing unexpected system commands
• Implement network traffic analysis to detect outbound connections from the web server that may indicate post-exploitation activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2021-47788

Immediate Actions Required

• Audit all user accounts with language editing permissions and remove unnecessary privileges
• Restrict administrative access to WebsiteBaker to trusted IP addresses only
• Consider temporarily disabling the language installation functionality until a patch is applied
• Review server logs for any signs of exploitation and investigate any suspicious activity

Patch Information

At the time of publication, users should check the Website Baker Official Site for security updates and patches addressing this vulnerability. It is recommended to:

1. Subscribe to WebsiteBaker security announcements
2. Apply any available security patches immediately
3. Consider migrating to a more actively maintained CMS if patches are not available

For technical details about the vulnerability, refer to the VulnCheck Advisory.

Workarounds

• Implement strict access controls limiting who can access the administrative interface
• Use a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests targeting the language installation endpoint
• Disable the language installation feature if not required for business operations
• Place the WebsiteBaker admin directory behind additional authentication mechanisms (e.g., HTTP Basic Auth)
• Ensure the web server runs with minimal privileges to limit the impact of successful exploitation

# Example: Restrict access to admin directory via .htaccess
# Add to /path/to/websitebaker/admin/.htaccess

# Restrict access by IP
<RequireAll>
    Require ip 192.168.1.0/24
    Require ip 10.0.0.0/8
</RequireAll>

# Or add additional password protection
AuthType Basic
AuthName "Restricted Admin Area"
AuthUserFile /path/to/.htpasswd
Require valid-user