CVE-2018-9038 in Monstra
Summary
by MITRE
Monstra CMS 3.0.4 allows remote attackers to delete files via an admin/index.php?id=filesmanager&delete_dir=./&path=uploads/ request.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9038 affects Monstra CMS version 3.0.4 and represents a critical file deletion flaw that enables remote attackers to compromise system integrity through unauthorized file removal operations. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the content management system, specifically within the file manager component that handles directory and file operations. The flaw manifests when an attacker can manipulate the administrative file manager to delete directories and their contents without proper authentication or authorization mechanisms. The attack vector requires a specific URL parameter structure including the admin/index.php endpoint with id parameter set to filesmanager, delete_dir parameter configured to target the root directory, and a path parameter pointing to the uploads directory.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and access control mechanisms within the administrative interface, allowing attackers to bypass normal file system security boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication credentials beyond access to the administrative interface. The impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to remove critical system files, user uploads, and potentially the entire application directory structure, leading to complete system compromise and data loss.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to encompass complete system availability and integrity compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to remove uploaded user content, critical application files, or even core system components that would require complete system reinstallation. The attack requires minimal technical skill and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in automated attack scenarios. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate file system but also potentially impacts database integrity if uploaded files contain references to database entries, and can disrupt service availability for legitimate users. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1485 which describes data destruction and file deletion as part of broader system compromise operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9038 should focus on implementing robust input validation, access control enforcement, and proper authentication mechanisms within the administrative interface. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of Monstra CMS where this vulnerability has been patched and the file management functionality properly secured. The implementation of proper parameter validation and directory traversal prevention measures within the application code is essential to prevent attackers from manipulating file system paths. Additionally, network-level controls such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious file management requests. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other components of the system. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege implementation and proper access controls within administrative interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can perform destructive operations on the file system.