CVE-2018-19104 in BageCMS
Summary
by MITRE
In BageCMS 3.1.3, upload/index.php has a CSRF vulnerability that can be used to upload arbitrary files and get server privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19104 affects BageCMS version 3.1.3 and resides within the upload/index.php component of the application. This represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to exploit a cross-site request forgery vulnerability to upload arbitrary files to the target server. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of HTTP request origins and lack of proper anti-CSRF token implementation in the file upload functionality. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. When exploited, this vulnerability enables an attacker to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that typically protect file upload operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the upload/index.php script fails to validate that incoming requests originate from legitimate sources within the same domain. This absence of proper origin validation, combined with the lack of anti-CSRF tokens, creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can craft specially crafted requests that appear to originate from authenticated users. The vulnerability falls into the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1566.001 which deals with valid accounts for initial access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious files such as web shells or backdoors, effectively gaining persistent access to the server infrastructure. The attack vector typically involves tricking authenticated users into visiting malicious websites or clicking on compromised links that automatically submit file upload requests to the vulnerable BageCMS installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it can lead to complete server compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious files, they can execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system enumeration, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the CMS platform, as unauthorized modifications to the server environment can disrupt normal operations and potentially cause system instability. Organizations using BageCMS 3.1.3 are particularly at risk since the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation without requiring additional authentication credentials, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to web applications. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently browse the internet or interact with untrusted content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19104 should focus on implementing proper anti-CSRF protection mechanisms and validating request origins. The most effective remediation involves adding robust anti-CSRF tokens to all file upload operations and implementing strict origin validation checks. Organizations should also ensure that file upload directories are properly secured with appropriate access controls and that uploaded files are scanned for malicious content before execution. The solution aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top 10 2017, particularly in the area of injection vulnerabilities and the importance of input validation. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in web applications. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be employed to detect suspicious file upload activities and unauthorized access attempts, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation of this type of vulnerability.