CVE-2018-16774 in HongCMS
Summary
by MITRE
HongCMS 3.0.0 allows arbitrary file deletion via a ../ in the file parameter to admin/index.php/language/ajax?action=delete.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16774 represents a critical path traversal flaw in HongCMS version 3.0.0 that enables unauthorized arbitrary file deletion through improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the content management system where the file parameter in the URL path admin/index.php/language/ajax?action=delete fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file parameter by including ../ sequences that can navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries, potentially enabling deletion of critical system files or user data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and sanitization in web applications, where user-controllable parameters are directly used in file system operations without proper authorization checks or path normalization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to encompass potential system compromise and data loss across multiple attack vectors. An attacker with access to the administrative interface could leverage this flaw to remove critical application files, configuration files, or even system binaries that would render the CMS inoperable. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for further exploitation through cascading effects such as deleting log files that might contain forensic evidence, removing backup files that could aid in system recovery, or deleting files that contain sensitive information. This weakness can be particularly devastating in production environments where the CMS serves as a critical component of an organization's digital infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1486 which covers data destruction, as the attacker can leverage administrative privileges to cause significant damage through unauthorized file deletion operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16774 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all file parameters within the administrative interface, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly rejected or normalized before any file system operations are performed. Organizations should implement a whitelist-based approach that validates file paths against a predetermined set of allowed directories and file extensions. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure that only authorized administrators can perform file deletion operations. Security headers and input validation libraries should be integrated into the application framework to prevent similar vulnerabilities across the entire codebase. The fix should also include proper logging and monitoring of file system operations to detect and respond to suspicious activities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar path traversal vulnerabilities that may exist in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts of this type of vulnerability.