CVE-2022-30804 in elitecms
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2022
elitecms v1.01 is vulnerable to Delete any file via /admin/delete_image.php?file=.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30804 affects elitecms version 1.01 and represents a critical path traversal and arbitrary file deletion flaw within the administrative interface. This vulnerability exists in the /admin/delete_image.php script which processes file deletion requests without proper input validation or authentication checks. The flaw allows an attacker to specify any file path through the file parameter, enabling unauthorized deletion of files on the server. This represents a severe security weakness that directly violates fundamental security principles of access control and input sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied input in the file parameter of the delete_image.php endpoint. The application fails to implement adequate authorization checks to verify that the requesting user has proper administrative privileges before executing file deletion operations. Additionally, the system does not sanitize or filter the file path parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate the file path to traverse directories and target files outside of the intended scope. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting, as it enables attackers to manipulate file system operations through unvalidated input. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where attackers can execute malicious commands through vulnerable web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with the ability to delete critical system files, configuration files, or even the application itself. An attacker could potentially delete database connection files, application binaries, or log files that would render the system inoperable or compromise its integrity. The vulnerability also enables attackers to target backup files, temporary files, or other sensitive data stored on the server. This could lead to complete system compromise, data loss, or service disruption. The ease of exploitation means that an attacker with minimal privileges could cause significant damage to the application infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level issues and implement broader security controls. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization on the file parameter to prevent path traversal attacks. Authentication and authorization checks must be enforced before any file deletion operations are permitted, ensuring that only legitimate administrators can perform these actions. The application should implement a whitelist approach for acceptable file paths and reject any requests that attempt to access files outside of designated directories. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and access controls at the operating system level can limit the damage potential. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file deletion patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.