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.
8301 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-VXF7-PJJ6-WH93
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-20 18:31 – Updated: 2026-02-27 18:31Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in WesternDeal WPForms Google Sheet Connector gsheetconnector-wpforms allows Code Injection.This issue affects WPForms Google Sheet Connector: from n/a through <= 4.0.1.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-67979"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-20T16:22:04Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Generation of Code (\u0027Code Injection\u0027) vulnerability in WesternDeal WPForms Google Sheet Connector gsheetconnector-wpforms allows Code Injection.This issue affects WPForms Google Sheet Connector: from n/a through \u003c= 4.0.1.",
"id": "GHSA-vxf7-pjj6-wh93",
"modified": "2026-02-27T18:31:01Z",
"published": "2026-02-20T18:31:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-67979"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Plugin/gsheetconnector-wpforms/vulnerability/wordpress-wpforms-google-sheet-connector-plugin-4-0-1-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-VXFW-7PHG-R3VF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-08-11 09:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 06:52Download of Code Without Integrity Check vulnerability in Genians Genian NAC V4.0, Genians Genian NAC V5.0, Genians Genian NAC Suite V5.0, Genians Genian ZTNA allows Malicious Software Update.This issue affects Genian NAC V4.0: from V4.0.0 through V4.0.155; Genian NAC V5.0: from V5.0.0 through V5.0.42 (Revision 117460); Genian NAC Suite V5.0: from V5.0.0 through V5.0.54; Genian ZTNA: from V6.0.0 through V6.0.15.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-40254"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-494",
"CWE-89",
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-08-11T07:15:09Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Download of Code Without Integrity Check vulnerability in Genians Genian NAC V4.0, Genians Genian NAC V5.0, Genians Genian NAC Suite V5.0, Genians Genian ZTNA allows Malicious Software Update.This issue affects Genian NAC V4.0: from V4.0.0 through V4.0.155; Genian NAC V5.0: from V5.0.0 through V5.0.42 (Revision 117460); Genian NAC Suite V5.0: from V5.0.0 through V5.0.54; Genian ZTNA: from V6.0.0 through V6.0.15.\n\n",
"id": "GHSA-vxfw-7phg-r3vf",
"modified": "2024-04-04T06:52:20Z",
"published": "2023-08-11T09:30:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40254"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.genians.com/nac/5.0/release/ko/advisories/GN-SA-2023-001.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.genians.co.kr/notice/2023"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-VXPH-3F3V-7X63
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-02-29 09:30 – Updated: 2024-08-01 15:31Deskfiler v1.2.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via uploading a crafted plugin.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-25291"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-02-29T07:15:07Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Deskfiler v1.2.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via uploading a crafted plugin.",
"id": "GHSA-vxph-3f3v-7x63",
"modified": "2024-08-01T15:31:29Z",
"published": "2024-02-29T09:30:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-25291"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/ji-zzang/EQST-PoC/tree/main/2024/RCE/CVE-2024-25291"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
GHSA-VXQJ-33JF-35X5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-06-10 21:30 – Updated: 2026-04-02 21:31An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in visionOS 1.2, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-27857"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-119",
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-06-10T21:15:51Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An out-of-bounds access issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in visionOS 1.2, macOS Sonoma 14.5, tvOS 17.5, iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-vxqj-33jf-35x5",
"modified": "2026-04-02T21:31:46Z",
"published": "2024-06-10T21:30:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-27857"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120901"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120903"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120905"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120906"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214101"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214102"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214106"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214108"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214101"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214102"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214106"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214108"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jun/5"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-VXR9-P2XW-M8CF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:20 – Updated: 2024-04-24 18:39The website builder module in Dolibarr 13.0.2 allows remote PHP code execution because of an incomplete protection mechanism in which system, exec, and shell_exec are blocked but backticks are not blocked.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Packagist",
"name": "dolibarr/dolibarr"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "13.0.2"
},
{
"fixed": "14.0.0"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
],
"versions": [
"13.0.2"
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-33816"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2024-04-24T18:39:36Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2021-11-10T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "The website builder module in Dolibarr 13.0.2 allows remote PHP code execution because of an incomplete protection mechanism in which system, exec, and shell_exec are blocked but backticks are not blocked.",
"id": "GHSA-vxr9-p2xw-m8cf",
"modified": "2024-04-24T18:39:36Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:20:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-33816"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/Dolibarr/dolibarr"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://trovent.github.io/security-advisories/TRSA-2106-01/TRSA-2106-01.txt"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://trovent.io/security-advisory-2106-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2021/Nov/39"
}
],
"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": "Dolibarr remote PHP code execution"
}
GHSA-VXRF-632H-2JJ6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-27 06:31 – Updated: 2026-03-27 06:31Code injection vulnerability exists in BUFFALO Wi-Fi router products. If this vulnerability is exploited, an arbitrary code may be executed on the products.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-32669"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-27T06:16:38Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Code injection vulnerability exists in BUFFALO Wi-Fi router products. If this vulnerability is exploited, an arbitrary code may be executed on the products.",
"id": "GHSA-vxrf-632h-2jj6",
"modified": "2026-03-27T06:31:44Z",
"published": "2026-03-27T06:31:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-32669"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN83788689"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.buffalo.jp/news/detail/20260323-01.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/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-VXVG-FM2C-8444
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-13 03:30 – Updated: 2024-10-24 18:30An issue was discovered in Scada-LTS v2.7.5.2 build 4551883606 and before, allows remote attackers with low-level authentication to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, and obtain sensitive information via Event Handlers function.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-33472"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-01-13T02:15:07Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered in Scada-LTS v2.7.5.2 build 4551883606 and before, allows remote attackers with low-level authentication to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, and obtain sensitive information via Event Handlers function.",
"id": "GHSA-vxvg-fm2c-8444",
"modified": "2024-10-24T18:30:40Z",
"published": "2024-01-13T03:30:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-33472"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hev0x.github.io/posts/scadalts-cve-2023-33472"
}
],
"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-VXX8-QM59-23FH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2021-12-16 00:02 – Updated: 2022-04-05 00:01Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-42294.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-42309"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-732",
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-12-15T15:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Microsoft SharePoint Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-42294.",
"id": "GHSA-vxx8-qm59-23fh",
"modified": "2022-04-05T00:01:16Z",
"published": "2021-12-16T00:02:07Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-42309"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-42309"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-074"
}
],
"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-W248-XR37-JX8M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2017-10-24 18:33 – Updated: 2023-08-28 13:51fastreader Gem for Ruby contains a flaw that is triggered during the handling of specially crafted input passed via a URL that contains a ';' character. This may allow a context-dependent attacker to potentially execute arbitrary commands.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "RubyGems",
"name": "fastreader"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "1.0.0"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2013-2615"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2020-06-16T21:59:12Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "fastreader Gem for Ruby contains a flaw that is triggered during the handling of specially crafted input passed via a URL that contains a \u0027;\u0027 character. This may allow a context-dependent attacker to potentially execute arbitrary commands.",
"id": "GHSA-w248-xr37-jx8m",
"modified": "2023-08-28T13:51:43Z",
"published": "2017-10-24T18:33:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-2615"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/rubysec/ruby-advisory-db/blob/master/gems/fastreader/CVE-2013-2615.yml"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/120776/Ruby-Gem-Fastreader-1.0.8-Command-Execution.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/120845/Ruby-Gem-Fastreader-1.0.8-Code-Execution.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2013/Mar/122"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2013/03/19/9"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [],
"summary": "fastreader Gem for Ruby URI Handling Arbitrary Command Injection"
}
GHSA-W25V-2MF8-86HR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 03:16 – Updated: 2026-01-07 21:31Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2000 SP3, 2002 SP3, and 2003 SP3, and PowerPoint in Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PowerPoint file with an OutlineTextRefAtom containing an an invalid index value that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in April 2009 by Exploit:Win32/Apptom.gen, aka "Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2009-0556"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-94"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2009-04-03T18:30:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2000 SP3, 2002 SP3, and 2003 SP3, and PowerPoint in Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PowerPoint file with an OutlineTextRefAtom containing an an invalid index value that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in April 2009 by Exploit:Win32/Apptom.gen, aka \"Memory Corruption Vulnerability.\"",
"id": "GHSA-w25v-2mf8-86hr",
"modified": "2026-01-07T21:31:35Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T03:16:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-0556"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2009/ms09-017"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/49632"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6204"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6279"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2009-0556"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2009/04/02/new-0-day-exploits-using-powerpoint-files.aspx"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2009/04/02/microsoft-security-advisory-969136.aspx"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://blogs.technet.com/srd/archive/2009/04/02/investigating-the-new-powerpoint-issue.aspx"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/53182"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/34572"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/627331"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/969136.mspx"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/503453/100/0/threaded"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/34351"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1021967"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-132A.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/0915"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1290"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-09-019"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
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.