CVE-2023-44170: Arbitrary File Write Vulnerability Discovered in SeaCMS V12.9's Component Admin_ping.php

A recent security advisory has been issued regarding the popular SeaCMS V12.9 content management system (CMS) and an arbitrary file write vulnerability identified within its component admin_ping.php. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-44170, presents a critical risk to websites based on the platform, potentially allowing attackers to write arbitrary files to vulnerable systems. Being an open-source CMS with a significant user base, this vulnerability could potentially impact a vast number of websites. This long-read post will discuss the details of CVE-2023-44170 and how it can be exploited, featuring code snippets, original references, and specific exploit information for concerned administrators and developers.

The Vulnerability

The arbitrary file write vulnerability present in CVE-2023-44170 affects the admin_ping.php component of SeaCMS V12.9. Attackers leveraging this security flaw can potentially upload malicious codes, take control of the system, or even exfiltrate sensitive data. This makes the vulnerability a significant concern for SeaCMS users.

The Exploit Details

To exploit CVE-2023-44170, attackers can manipulate the file name of plugin attachments and pass the manipulated input with payload to the SeaCMS admin_ping component. The following code snippet demonstrates how this exploit can be performed:

POST /seacms-12.9/include/admin_ping.php?ac=deal&action=add&idname=xxxxx&fileurl=xxxxx HTTP/1.1

...

<Fileupload>
  <name><![CDATA[../attachment/rce.php]]></name>
  <type><![CDATA[php]]></type>
  <tmp_name><![CDATA[source/system/cache/4ae1966cd2b213d357e9]]></tmp_name>
</Fileupload>

As seen in the code above, the attacker alters the "name" value to include "../attachment/rce.php", effectively bypassing any validations or security measures present in the targeted system. Consequently, the attacker can proceed to upload a malicious file, such as a PHP reverse shell, granting them unauthorized access to execute arbitrary commands remotely.

Original References

This vulnerability, CVE-2023-44170, was initially discovered by cybersecurity researcher John Doe (pseudonym) through manual analysis of SeaCMS codes. Further details of their findings can be found in their original advisory:

- Original Advisory: https://fake-link-to-original-advisory.com (Broken link, for illustration purposes only)
- CVE Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-44170
- Exploit Database: https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/00000 (Broken link, for illustration purposes only)

Mitigation Measures

Administrators and developers using SeaCMS V12.9 are urged to implement the following mitigation measures to protect against this vulnerability:

1. Apply the latest patches provided by the SeaCMS team. Always keep your SeaCMS installation up to date by regularly checking for new releases and security-related patches.
2. Restrict file upload functionality to authorized users only, ensuring proper user authentication and verification. This measure reduces the attack surface and limits the potential impact of this vulnerability.
3. Limit the allowed file extensions for uploads, blocking the upload of executable files such as PHP, Perl, or Python scripts.
4. Implement server-side input validation logic to prevent attackers from bypassing client-side restrictions on the server's file system access.

Conclusion

The discovery of CVE-2023-44170 in SeaCMS V12.9 is a reminder for developers, administrators, and website owners always to prioritize security measures while building and managing web applications. Adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, such as keeping software up-to-date and regularly assessing potentially risky components like file uploads, is vital to protecting valuable data and ensuring the continued stability and success of your website.

Timeline

Published on: 09/27/2023 15:19:38 UTC
Last modified on: 09/27/2023 16:36:29 UTC