CVE-2018-16819 in Monstra
Summary
by MITRE
admin/index.php in Monstra CMS 3.0.4 allows arbitrary file deletion via id=filesmanager&path=uploads/.......//./.......//./&delete_file= requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16819 resides within the Monstra CMS 3.0.4 administrative interface, specifically in the file management functionality located at admin/index.php. This flaw represents a critical path traversal vulnerability that enables unauthorized users to delete arbitrary files from the server filesystem. The vulnerability manifests when processing requests containing the parameter id=filesmanager&path=uploads/.......//./.......//./&delete_file= which demonstrates the CMS's inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The attack exploits the lack of proper path normalization and validation, allowing attackers to craft malicious file paths that bypass intended security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied path parameters within the file management module. When the CMS processes the delete_file request, it fails to properly validate or normalize the path parameter, enabling attackers to manipulate the file system traversal using directory traversal sequences such as ./ and ../. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the file management functionality, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended upload directory and access sensitive system files or directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it grants attackers the ability to delete critical files from the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to remove core CMS files, configuration files, or uploaded user content, resulting in service disruption, data loss, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the CMS, as it allows unauthorized deletion of files that could include database files, configuration settings, or user-uploaded content. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which involves the deletion of files, and represents a significant threat to system stability and data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Monstra CMS to version 3.0.5 or later, which addresses the path traversal issue through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that normalize and sanitize all user-supplied paths before processing, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly handled. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file operations, where only predefined safe paths are allowed, provides an additional layer of defense. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to the CMS, while regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of file operations enables early detection of suspicious activities and provides forensic evidence for incident response efforts.