CVE-2022-24711 is a security vulnerability identified in CodeIgniter4, a popular PHP full-stack web framework widely used for developing web applications. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) in versions of CodeIgniter4 prior to 4.1.9. Specifically, this flaw allows attackers to execute Command Line Interface (CLI) routes through crafted HTTP requests. Normally, CLI routes are intended to be executed only via command line and not exposed to HTTP requests. However, due to insufficient validation of input parameters, an attacker can invoke these CLI routes remotely over HTTP, potentially executing arbitrary commands or code within the context of the web application. This can lead to unauthorized actions, data manipulation, or further compromise of the hosting server. The vulnerability was patched in version 4.1.9 of CodeIgniter4, which properly restricts CLI route execution to the intended environment. No known workarounds exist, so upgrading to the patched version is the primary remediation. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting, but the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk if left unpatched, especially for publicly accessible web applications using affected versions of CodeIgniter4. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its potential attack surface. The improper input validation allows attackers to bypass intended access controls and execute privileged commands remotely via HTTP requests, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-24711 can be substantial, particularly for those relying on CodeIgniter4-based web applications for critical business operations, customer-facing portals, or internal tools. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution, enabling attackers to manipulate data, disrupt services, or pivot to deeper network compromise. This can result in data breaches involving sensitive personal or corporate data, service outages affecting business continuity, and reputational damage. Given the GDPR regulatory environment in Europe, any data breach resulting from exploitation could also lead to significant legal and financial penalties. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and e-commerce—where CodeIgniter4 might be used—are at higher risk due to the sensitivity of their data and the critical nature of their services. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive patching, but the medium severity rating should not lead to complacency, as the vulnerability’s characteristics allow for relatively straightforward exploitation without authentication or user interaction.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading all CodeIgniter4 instances to version 4.1.9 or later to apply the official patch that addresses this vulnerability. In addition to patching, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Conduct an inventory of web applications using CodeIgniter4 to identify affected versions. 2) Restrict network access to administrative or CLI routes by implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to block HTTP requests attempting to invoke CLI routes. 3) Employ strict input validation and sanitization at the application level to detect and block anomalous requests targeting CLI endpoints. 4) Monitor web server and application logs for unusual HTTP requests that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, focusing on requests that mimic CLI route patterns. 5) Implement network segmentation to isolate web servers running CodeIgniter4 from sensitive backend systems to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 6) Educate development teams on secure coding practices to avoid similar input validation issues in custom code. 7) Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving web application command injection or remote code execution. These targeted actions, combined with patching, will reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.