CVE-2018-0571 in BaserCMS
Summary
by MITRE
baserCMS (baserCMS 4.1.0.1 and earlier versions, baserCMS 3.0.15 and earlier versions) allows remote attackers with a site operator privilege to upload arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0571 represents a critical file upload flaw within baserCMS content management systems affecting versions 4.1.0.1 and earlier, as well as 3.0.15 and earlier releases. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that permit authenticated users with site operator privileges to bypass intended restrictions and upload malicious files to the target system. The flaw exists in the file upload functionality where the application fails to properly verify file types, extensions, or content, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code through crafted file uploads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the application's file validation logic that should normally restrict uploads to safe file types such as images, documents, or other legitimate content. Attackers exploiting this flaw can upload files with malicious extensions or content that may execute code on the web server when accessed by other users or through automated processes. This represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization and improper access control enforcement, which aligns with CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and CWE-285 which addresses "Improper Authorization." The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and potential system compromise when attackers can upload web shells, malware, or other malicious executables that persist on the server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using baserCMS platforms, particularly those that rely on the system for public-facing websites or content management. The impact extends beyond simple file upload capabilities as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use as a staging ground for further attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering to obtain site operator credentials or by leveraging other initial access points to reach the vulnerable upload functionality. This flaw demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and the need for robust input validation across all user-facing functionalities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by the baserCMS development team, implementing strict file type validation and content checking mechanisms, and enforcing proper access controls to limit upload capabilities to only trusted users with legitimate business requirements. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious upload activities and unusual file access patterns. The implementation of web application firewalls and file integrity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all CMS installations and ensure that proper security configurations are in place, including disabling unnecessary upload features and implementing proper file extension filtering. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security updates and thorough testing of web applications to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities that could lead to complete system compromise, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.