CWE-94
Allowed-with-ReviewImproper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.
8342 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-RH9X-Q9JP-FGCF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-29 21:31 – Updated: 2026-04-29 21:31Cockpit CMS contains an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in the /cockpit/collections/save_collection endpoint that allows authenticated attackers with collection management privileges to inject arbitrary PHP code into collection rules parameters. Attackers can inject malicious PHP code through rule parameters which is written directly to server-side PHP files and executed via include() to achieve arbitrary command execution on the underlying server.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-34965"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-04-29T20:16:29Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Cockpit CMS contains an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in the /cockpit/collections/save_collection endpoint that allows authenticated attackers with collection management privileges to inject arbitrary PHP code into collection rules parameters. Attackers can inject malicious PHP code through rule parameters which is written directly to server-side PHP files and executed via include() to achieve arbitrary command execution on the underlying server.",
"id": "GHSA-rh9x-q9jp-fgcf",
"modified": "2026-04-29T21:31:31Z",
"published": "2026-04-29T21:31:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-34965"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://gist.github.com/thepiyushkumarshukla/64d2318518b17f529bc3ccb11fd5be90"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/agentejo/cockpit"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/agentejo/cockpit/commits/494765e4f0fb9484f320aee0c6ee889b6fa789b9"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/cockpit-cms-authenticated-remote-code-execution-via-collections"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-RHC4-HG25-PQMR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 06:18 – Updated: 2025-04-11 03:33Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Pulse CMS before 1.2.3 allow (1) remote attackers to write to arbitrary files and execute arbitrary PHP code via vectors related to improper handling of login failures by includes/login.php; and allow remote authenticated users to write to arbitrary files and execute arbitrary PHP code via vectors involving the (2) filename and (3) block parameters to view.php.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2010-0988"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2010-03-26T18:30:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in Pulse CMS before 1.2.3 allow (1) remote attackers to write to arbitrary files and execute arbitrary PHP code via vectors related to improper handling of login failures by includes/login.php; and allow remote authenticated users to write to arbitrary files and execute arbitrary PHP code via vectors involving the (2) filename and (3) block parameters to view.php.",
"id": "GHSA-rhc4-hg25-pqmr",
"modified": "2025-04-11T03:33:00Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T06:18:02Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2010-0988"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/39011"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/secunia_research/2010-45"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/secunia_research/2010-51"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.osvdb.org/63166"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.osvdb.org/63168"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/510299/100/0/threaded"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/510300/100/0/threaded"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/38956"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-RHHJ-5436-95VF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-21 18:30 – Updated: 2024-01-26 21:34The OpenAPI loader in Embedchain before 0.1.57 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to the openapi.py yaml.load function argument.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "PyPI",
"name": "embedchain"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.1.57"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-23731"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-88",
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2024-01-22T21:27:26Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2024-01-21T17:15:44Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "The OpenAPI loader in Embedchain before 0.1.57 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, related to the openapi.py yaml.load function argument.",
"id": "GHSA-rhhj-5436-95vf",
"modified": "2024-01-26T21:34:39Z",
"published": "2024-01-21T18:30:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-23731"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/embedchain/embedchain/pull/1122"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/embedchain/embedchain"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/embedchain/embedchain/compare/0.1.56...0.1.57"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/embedchain/PYSEC-2024-7.yaml"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Code execution in Embedchain"
}
GHSA-RHMF-G96X-3G22
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-04-11 06:30 – Updated: 2024-08-28 21:31An issue was discovered in GNU Savane v.3.13 and before, allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges via a crafted file to the upload.php component.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-29399"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-04-11T06:15:06Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered in GNU Savane v.3.13 and before, allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges via a crafted file to the upload.php component.",
"id": "GHSA-rhmf-g96x-3g22",
"modified": "2024-08-28T21:31:27Z",
"published": "2024-04-11T06:30:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-29399"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/ally-petitt/CVE-2024-29399"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-RHMH-7X7R-CHVM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-07-21 06:30 – Updated: 2024-07-21 06:30A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in formtools.org Form Tools 3.1.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/settings/index.php?page=accounts of the component Setting Handler. The manipulation of the argument Page Theme leads to code injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-271991. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-6936"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-07-21T04:15:02Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in formtools.org Form Tools 3.1.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/settings/index.php?page=accounts of the component Setting Handler. The manipulation of the argument Page Theme leads to code injection. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-271991. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.",
"id": "GHSA-rhmh-7x7r-chvm",
"modified": "2024-07-21T06:30:35Z",
"published": "2024-07-21T06:30:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-6936"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/DeepMountains/Mirage/blob/main/CVE2-2.md"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.271991"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.271991"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?submit.372318"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-RHQW-486F-X8RQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-12-29 09:30 – Updated: 2026-04-28 21:33Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in BinaryStash WP Booklet.This issue affects WP Booklet: from n/a through 2.1.8.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-22677"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-12-29T09:15:08Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Generation of Code (\u0027Code Injection\u0027) vulnerability in BinaryStash WP Booklet.This issue affects WP Booklet: from n/a through 2.1.8.",
"id": "GHSA-rhqw-486f-x8rq",
"modified": "2026-04-28T21:33:37Z",
"published": "2023-12-29T09:30:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-22677"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-booklet/wordpress-wp-booklet-plugin-2-1-8-remote-code-execution-rce?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-RHRW-79V5-JC5X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-07-02 21:32 – Updated: 2025-09-16 21:31An authenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in NSClient++ version 0.5.2.35 when the web interface and ExternalScripts module are enabled. A remote attacker with the administrator password can authenticate to the web interface (default port 8443), inject arbitrary commands as external scripts via the /settings/query.json API, save the configuration, and trigger the script via the /query/{name} endpoint. The injected commands are executed with SYSTEM privileges, enabling full remote compromise.
This capability is an intended feature, but the lack of safeguards or privilege separation makes it risky when exposed to untrusted actors.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-34079"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-07-02T20:15:29Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An authenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in NSClient++ version 0.5.2.35 when the web interface and ExternalScripts module are enabled. A remote attacker with the administrator password can authenticate to the web interface (default port 8443), inject arbitrary commands as external scripts via the /settings/query.json API, save the configuration, and trigger the script via the /query/{name} endpoint. The injected commands are executed with SYSTEM privileges, enabling full remote compromise.\n\nThis capability is an intended feature, but the lack of safeguards or privilege separation makes it risky when exposed to untrusted actors.",
"id": "GHSA-rhrw-79v5-jc5x",
"modified": "2025-09-16T21:31:16Z",
"published": "2025-07-02T21:32:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-34079"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/windows/http/nscp_authenticated_rce.rb"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vulncheck.com/advisories/nsclient-localtoremote-system-compromise"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48360"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-RHWF-HQPR-Q8G2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2021-04-13 15:24 – Updated: 2021-04-07 19:36An unintended require vulnerability in script-manager npm package version 0.8.6 and earlier may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.
{
"affected": [
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 0.8.6"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "script-manager"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.9.0"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-8129"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2021-04-07T19:36:21Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2020-02-14T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An unintended require vulnerability in script-manager npm package version 0.8.6 and earlier may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.",
"id": "GHSA-rhwf-hqpr-q8g2",
"modified": "2021-04-07T19:36:21Z",
"published": "2021-04-13T15:24:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-8129"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hackerone.com/reports/660563"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "Code Injection in script-manager"
}
GHSA-RHX3-J9RV-VFQM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-28 18:30 – Updated: 2025-10-29 15:31alexusmai laravel-file-manager 3.3.1 and before allows an authenticated attacker to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) through a crafted file upload. A file with a '.pngextension containing PHP code can be uploaded via the file manager interface. Although the upload appears to fail client-side validation, the file is still saved on the server. The attacker can then use the rename API to change the file extension to.php`, and upon accessing it via a public URL, the server executes the embedded code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-56399"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-28T16:15:38Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "alexusmai laravel-file-manager 3.3.1 and before allows an authenticated attacker to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) through a crafted file upload. A file with a \u0027.png` extension containing PHP code can be uploaded via the file manager interface. Although the upload appears to fail client-side validation, the file is still saved on the server. The attacker can then use the rename API to change the file extension to `.php`, and upon accessing it via a public URL, the server executes the embedded code.",
"id": "GHSA-rhx3-j9rv-vfqm",
"modified": "2025-10-29T15:31:54Z",
"published": "2025-10-28T18:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-56399"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/Theethat-Thamwasin/CVE-2025-56399"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://laravel-file-manager.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-RJ3F-292M-PHWF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 02:41 – Updated: 2022-05-14 02:41The Management Console (webagent.exe) in Cisco Security Agent 5.1, 5.2, and 6.0 before 6.0.2.145 allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via unspecified parameters in a crafted st_upload request.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2011-0364"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2011-02-19T01:00:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The Management Console (webagent.exe) in Cisco Security Agent 5.1, 5.2, and 6.0 before 6.0.2.145 allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via unspecified parameters in a crafted st_upload request.",
"id": "GHSA-rj3f-292m-phwf",
"modified": "2022-05-14T02:41:34Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T02:41:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-0364"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/65436"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43383"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/43393"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://securityreason.com/securityalert/8095"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://securityreason.com/securityalert/8197"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://securityreason.com/securityalert/8205"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_advisory09186a0080b6cee6.shtml"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/516505/100/0/threaded"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46420"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025088"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0424"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-11-088"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
Mitigation
Strategy: Refactoring
Refactor your program so that you do not have to dynamically generate code.
Mitigation
- Run your code in a "jail" or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which code can be executed by your product.
- Examples include the Unix chroot jail and AppArmor. In general, managed code may provide some protection.
- This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of your application may still be subject to compromise.
- Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
Mitigation MIT-5
Strategy: Input Validation
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
- To reduce the likelihood of code injection, use stringent allowlists that limit which constructs are allowed. If you are dynamically constructing code that invokes a function, then verifying that the input is alphanumeric might be insufficient. An attacker might still be able to reference a dangerous function that you did not intend to allow, such as system(), exec(), or exit().
Mitigation
Use dynamic tools and techniques that interact with the product using large test suites with many diverse inputs, such as fuzz testing (fuzzing), robustness testing, and fault injection. The product's operation may slow down, but it should not become unstable, crash, or generate incorrect results.
Mitigation MIT-32
Strategy: Compilation or Build Hardening
Run the code in an environment that performs automatic taint propagation and prevents any command execution that uses tainted variables, such as Perl's "-T" switch. This will force the program to perform validation steps that remove the taint, although you must be careful to correctly validate your inputs so that you do not accidentally mark dangerous inputs as untainted (see CWE-183 and CWE-184).
Mitigation MIT-32
Strategy: Environment Hardening
Run the code in an environment that performs automatic taint propagation and prevents any command execution that uses tainted variables, such as Perl's "-T" switch. This will force the program to perform validation steps that remove the taint, although you must be careful to correctly validate your inputs so that you do not accidentally mark dangerous inputs as untainted (see CWE-183 and CWE-184).
Mitigation
For Python programs, it is frequently encouraged to use the ast.literal_eval() function instead of eval, since it is intentionally designed to avoid executing code. However, an adversary could still cause excessive memory or stack consumption via deeply nested structures [REF-1372], so the python documentation discourages use of ast.literal_eval() on untrusted data [REF-1373].
CAPEC-242: Code Injection
An adversary exploits a weakness in input validation on the target to inject new code into that which is currently executing. This differs from code inclusion in that code inclusion involves the addition or replacement of a reference to a code file, which is subsequently loaded by the target and used as part of the code of some application.
CAPEC-35: Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files. When the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high.
CAPEC-77: Manipulating User-Controlled Variables
This attack targets user controlled variables (DEBUG=1, PHP Globals, and So Forth). An adversary can override variables leveraging user-supplied, untrusted query variables directly used on the application server without any data sanitization. In extreme cases, the adversary can change variables controlling the business logic of the application. For instance, in languages like PHP, a number of poorly set default configurations may allow the user to override variables.