CVE-2018-19601 in Rhymix
Summary
by MITRE
Rhymix CMS 1.9.8.1 allows SSRF via an index.php?module=admin&act=dispModuleAdminFileBox SVG upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2023
CVE-2018-19601 represents a server-side request forgery vulnerability within Rhymix CMS version 1.9.8.1 that specifically manifests through the administrative file upload functionality. This vulnerability resides in the index.php script when processing module administration requests with the act=dispModuleAdminFileBox parameter, creating a critical security gap that enables attackers to manipulate the system's behavior. The flaw occurs during SVG file processing, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize external resource references within the uploaded files. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-918 as a server-side request forgery, which allows an attacker to make arbitrary HTTP requests from the server hosting the vulnerable application. This issue falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, specifically targeting the administrative interface of content management systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to upload a specially crafted SVG file that contains embedded references to external resources or internal system endpoints. When the system processes this file through the administrative file box functionality, it attempts to fetch or validate these external references without proper authorization checks or network boundary enforcement. The attack vector leverages the fact that SVG files can contain embedded scripts and external resource references that the CMS does not adequately filter or validate. This creates a pathway for attackers to probe internal network resources, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even attempt to access sensitive system information that should remain isolated from external access. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate security controls around file upload processing, particularly for rich media formats that can contain executable code or network references.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration or network reconnaissance. Attackers can potentially use this flaw to escalate privileges within the CMS environment, access administrative functions, or even establish persistent access through the compromised upload mechanism. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire CMS infrastructure, as it allows unauthorized parties to manipulate the system's network behavior and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying server environment. This issue particularly threatens organizations that rely on Rhymix CMS for content management, as it provides a direct attack surface that can be exploited without requiring extensive prior access or knowledge of the system. The administrative interface becomes a critical point of compromise, potentially enabling attackers to modify content, steal user data, or manipulate the CMS configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19601 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization of all uploaded files, particularly those with rich media formats like SVG. Organizations must ensure that the CMS is updated to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches or fixes for this specific issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to internal system resources, while proper access controls must be enforced around administrative functions. The implementation of Content Security Policies and strict file type validation can help prevent malicious SVG files from being processed. Additionally, monitoring and logging of administrative file uploads should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the CMS ecosystem. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.