CVE-2018-16446 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in SeaCMS through 6.61. adm1n/admin_database.php allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the bakfiles parameter. This can allow the product to be reinstalled by deleting install_lock.txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16446 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within SeaCMS version 6.61 and earlier, exposing the system to arbitrary file deletion attacks. This security weakness resides in the adm1n/admin_database.php component where the bakfiles parameter fails to properly validate user input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and execute unauthorized deletion operations. The flaw specifically enables remote attackers to traverse directory structures and remove files that should remain protected, fundamentally compromising the application's integrity and operational security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted directory traversal sequences in the bakfiles parameter, which bypasses normal access controls and file validation mechanisms. When an attacker submits malicious input containing sequences such as ../ or similar path manipulation techniques, the application processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, resulting in the deletion of files from arbitrary locations within the system's file structure. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based interactions, requiring no local system access or elevated privileges beyond basic network connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file deletion, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the entire application installation. By deleting the install_lock.txt file, an attacker can effectively reset the application's installation state, enabling a complete reinstallation of SeaCMS and potentially allowing for further exploitation through the installation process. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data destruction, or establishment of persistent backdoors within the target environment. The vulnerability affects the application's availability and integrity, as it can be exploited to render the content management system inoperable or to manipulate the system's configuration state.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of SeaCMS should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and access control enforcement to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations, and ensuring that all file paths are properly normalized and validated against a whitelist of acceptable directories. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls that prevent deletion operations on critical system files, including installation lock files and configuration components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1484.001 which covers the use of privilege escalation and system modification techniques to maintain persistent access and compromise system integrity. The security implications of this vulnerability underscore the necessity of regular security assessments and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in content management systems.