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CVE Record

CVE-2019-19902: An issue was discovered in Backdrop CMS 1.13.x before 1.13.5 and 1.14.x before 1.14.2.

An issue was discovered in Backdrop CMS 1.13.x before 1.13.5 and 1.14.x before 1.14.2. It allows the upload of entire-site configuration archives through the user interface or command line. It does not sufficiently check uploaded archives for invalid data, allowing non-configuration scripts to potentially be uploaded to the server. This issue is mitigated by the fact that the attacker would be required to have the "Synchronize, import, and export configuration" permission, a permission that only trusted administrators should be given. Other measures in the product prevent the execution of PHP scripts, so another server-side scripting language must be accessible on the server to execute code.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This Backdrop CMS flaw could let a highly trusted administrator upload a configuration archive containing non-configuration scripts. Business risk is constrained because the attacker needs powerful configuration permissions, but impact could be serious if the server can execute an uploaded non-PHP script.

Executive priority

Treat this as a prioritized maintenance and privilege-review item for Backdrop CMS environments, especially public-facing sites. It is not supported as actively exploited in the provided evidence, but affected systems with broad administrator permissions or permissive server scripting deserve prompt attention.

Technical view

Backdrop CMS 1.13.x before 1.13.5 and 1.14.x before 1.14.2 insufficiently validated imported whole-site configuration archives through UI or CLI. Invalid archive contents could place non-configuration scripts on the server. PHP execution is reportedly blocked by other product controls, so code execution depends on another server-side scripting language being executable.

Likely exposure

Exposure is mainly Backdrop CMS sites on affected 1.13.x or 1.14.x releases where users have the "Synchronize, import, and export configuration" permission. Internet exposure increases business concern, but exploitation still requires privileged access or compromise of a trusted administrator.

Exploitation context

The provided sources do not cite active exploitation, and this CVE is not marked KEV. The issue is mitigated by required high-trust permissions and by product controls preventing PHP script execution. Practical impact depends on server configuration and whether other server-side scripting languages are available.

Researcher notes

The key uncertainty is exploitability in a specific deployment. Sources state PHP execution is blocked by product controls, requiring another executable server-side scripting language. Validate affected version, permission assignment, archive import paths, and server handler behavior without assuming remote unauthenticated exposure.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Backdrop CMS to 1.13.5, 1.14.2, or a later fixed release.
  • Restrict configuration synchronize/import/export permission to essential trusted administrators only.
  • Review recent whole-site configuration imports for unexpected or non-configuration files.
  • Check Backdrop’s advisory for any environment-specific hardening guidance.
  • Disable unnecessary server-side script execution where uploaded/configuration files may reside.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Backdrop CMS versions and identify 1.13.x below 1.13.5 or 1.14.x below 1.14.2.
  • List roles and users with the configuration synchronize/import/export permission.
  • Confirm patched instances no longer run affected Backdrop core versions.
  • Review server configuration for non-PHP server-side interpreters accessible to uploaded files.
  • Check administrative logs for recent configuration archive imports.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
3

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
2Source links

CVSS and timeline data

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Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

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