CVE-2020-36006 in AppCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2021
AppCMS 2.0.101 in /admin/info.php has an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability which allows attackers to delete arbitrary files on the site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36006 affects AppCMS version 2.0.101 and specifically targets the /admin/info.php component where an arbitrary file deletion flaw exists. This issue represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized file deletion operations on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the administrative interface, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and delete files without proper authorization. Such a flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input sanitization, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this content management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application failing to properly validate user-supplied input when processing file deletion requests through the administrative panel. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences or direct file paths, bypassing normal access controls and authentication checks. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to target any file that the application process has write permissions to. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-77 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-36006 extends beyond simple file removal, as attackers can potentially delete critical system files, configuration data, or even executable components that could lead to complete system compromise or service disruption. Depending on the system configuration and file permissions, this vulnerability could enable attackers to remove application binaries, database files, or log files that are essential for system operation. The vulnerability also provides a potential foothold for further exploitation, as attackers might delete security monitoring files or logs that would otherwise detect their activities. This weakness can result in data loss, service interruption, and may facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected AppCMS version to the latest available release that addresses the arbitrary file deletion flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks, while also enforcing strict access controls for administrative functions. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in administrative interfaces, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and MITRE ATT&CK matrix categories related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.