CVE-2022-24647 in Cuppa
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2022
Cuppa CMS v1.0 was discovered to contain an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability via the unlink() function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24647 affects Cuppa CMS version 1.0 and represents a critical arbitrary file deletion flaw that stems from improper input validation within the application's file management functionality. This issue specifically leverages the unlink() function which is designed to remove files from the filesystem, but becomes dangerous when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being passed to this system call. The vulnerability exists in the CMS's configuration management interface where administrators can modify various settings including file paths and configuration parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate input parameters that are subsequently processed by the unlink() function without adequate sanitization measures. This creates a scenario where malicious actors can specify arbitrary file paths that should be deleted from the server filesystem, potentially leading to the removal of critical system files, configuration files, or even user data. The flaw essentially allows for privilege escalation and remote code execution capabilities when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the CMS operates with elevated privileges. According to CWE standards, this maps directly to CWE-400: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption and CWE-77: Command and Query Injection, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized file system manipulation through improper input handling.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Cuppa CMS v1.0 as it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication in certain configurations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to delete essential application files, corrupt system integrity, or create denial of service conditions that render the CMS completely inoperable. The impact extends beyond simple file deletion as compromised systems may lose critical configuration data, backup files, or even core application components that would require complete reinstallation to restore. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based interfaces that are commonly exposed to the internet, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures that prevent malicious file paths from being processed by the unlink() function. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of Cuppa CMS where this vulnerability has been patched, as version 1.0 is no longer supported and lacks proper security controls. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can help limit the impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that the CMS operates with minimal necessary permissions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious file deletion requests. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1485: Data Destruction and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables adversaries to execute destructive operations and manipulate system resources through compromised CMS functionality. The recommended remediation includes comprehensive code review to ensure all file manipulation functions properly validate inputs and implement proper path resolution controls to prevent directory traversal attacks that could compound the vulnerability.