CVE-2021-45015 in taocms
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2021
taocms 3.0.2 is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion via taocms\include\Model\file.php from line 60 to line 72.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45015 affects taocms version 3.0.2 and represents a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw that stems from improper input validation within the file management component. This vulnerability exists in the taocms\include\Model\File.php file where the application fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing file operations. The specific code execution occurs between lines 60 and 72 where the system directly incorporates user-controllable input into file manipulation functions without proper authorization checks or path validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate the file deletion process by providing malicious input that bypasses normal access controls. This flaw allows for the removal of any file on the server filesystem that the application process has permissions to access, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability falls under CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The weakness in the code structure demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and inadequate access control implementation that enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute destructive operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and data availability. An attacker who can exploit this flaw can potentially delete critical application files, configuration data, database files, or even system binaries that could render the entire content management system inoperable. The attack surface extends beyond simple file deletion to include potential data loss scenarios that could result in complete system downtime and require extensive recovery operations. The vulnerability can be exploited through web-based interfaces where users can submit parameters to the file deletion functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the content management system.
The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1485 for "Data Destruction" when considering the potential for cascading damage. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, access restriction measures, and comprehensive file system permission reviews. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameter sanitization, establishing whitelist-based file path validation, and ensuring that all file operations are performed within restricted directories. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other components and implement automated security testing to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.
Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file manipulation requests, while maintaining detailed logging of all file system operations for forensic analysis. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.