CVE-2024-44871 - MoziloCMS v3.: Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability in /admin/index.php Component

Overview
A serious vulnerability, CVE-2024-44871, has been identified in the popular Content Management System (CMS) moziloCMS, version 3.. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted server. The issue arises from an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the admin/index.php component of moziloCMS v3.. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a crafted file to the server, which can then be executed, potentially giving the attacker full control over the system.

In this detailed post, we will walk through the exploit details, provide a code snippet to better understand the issue, and offer links to original references that discuss the vulnerability in depth.

Exploit Details
The exploit targets a vulnerability in the file upload functionality within the admin/index.php component of moziloCMS v3.. A fileList parameter is sent in a POST request to the vulnerable component, with insufficient input validation, allowing an attacker to upload arbitrary files, including PHP files containing code that can be executed server-side.

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the fileList parameter in the following function of admin/index.php:

function handle_upload($cat_name, $fileList)
{
    ...
    if (handle_check_file_extension($fileList['name']))
    {
        $upload_path = 'path/to/uploads/'.$cat_name.'/';
        move_uploaded_file($fileList['tmp_name'], $upload_path.$fileList['name']);
    }
    ...
}

Notice that there is no thorough check on the extension of the uploaded files, meaning that any file can be uploaded to the server without restrictions. An attacker can exploit this lack of input validation by uploading a crafted PHP file containing arbitrary code.

For example, an attacker could create a file called shell.php containing the following PHP code

<?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>

This file could then be uploaded using the arbitrary file upload vulnerability in moziloCMS v3.. Once uploaded, the attacker can navigate to the uploaded shell.php file and execute arbitrary commands on the server by simply including a cmd parameter in the URL:

http://target.site/path/to/uploads/category_name/shell.php?cmd=whoami

By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could potentially gain complete control over a server running moziloCMS v3..

Original References
- CVE Details
- Exploit Database

Recommended Mitigations
Currently, there is no official patch for this vulnerability. However, administrators and developers using moziloCMS v3. can implement the following measures to protect their systems:

- Ensure that proper input validation checks are in place to restrict the types of files that can be uploaded to the server. Specifically, limit file uploads to only necessary file types, and block any potentially dangerous file types (such as .php) from being uploaded.

- Implement server-side access controls to restrict the uploading of files to authorized users only. This will reduce the risk of an attacker exploiting the vulnerability.

- Update the CMS or operating system to a version that is not vulnerable to this issue or apply any available official patches as soon as they become available.

- Monitor web traffic for any indications of unauthorized file uploads or suspicious activity, and take immediate action to investigate and respond to any potential threats.

Conclusion
CVE-2024-44871 represents a significant risk for web servers running moziloCMS v3., as it allows attackers to exploit an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the admin/index.php component and potentially compromise the entire system. It is essential for administrators and developers to implement proper security measures and vigilantly monitor their systems for any signs of exploitation. Please share this information with anyone using moziloCMS v3. to help ensure the safety and security of all sites and users.

Timeline

Published on: 09/10/2024 17:15:37 UTC
Last modified on: 09/10/2024 20:35:12 UTC