CVE-2022-32065 in RuoYi
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2022
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the background management module of RuoYi v4.7.3 and below allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The CVE-2022-32065 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within the background management interface of the RuoYi open-source Java web application framework version 4.7.3 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and file type checking mechanisms within the administrative upload functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files to the server. The affected RuoYi framework, widely used for enterprise application development, contains this weakness in its file upload module that processes user-submitted content through the management console. The vulnerability specifically affects the backend administrative interface where authorized users can upload files for various purposes including document management, image handling, and content distribution. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specially designed HTML files that contain malicious payloads, potentially including javascript code or server-side include directives that execute in the context of the web server. This arbitrary file upload vulnerability operates under the CWE-434 standard classification for Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which explicitly addresses the risk of allowing users to upload files that can be executed on the server. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where file type validation is either absent or inadequately implemented, allowing attackers to circumvent normal file handling restrictions and gain unauthorized access to server resources.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2022-32065 requires an attacker to first authenticate to the administrative interface with appropriate privileges, as the vulnerability is scoped to the management module rather than public-facing endpoints. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage the file upload functionality to submit malicious HTML files that contain embedded scripts or references to external malicious resources. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the RuoYi framework typically runs with elevated privileges on the web server, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. The malicious files uploaded through this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the system. The attack vector operates through the standard HTTP POST request mechanism used for file uploads, where the application fails to properly validate file extensions or content types before storing uploaded files to the server filesystem. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server Software Component, where adversaries compromise systems by uploading malicious files to web servers, and specifically targets the execution of malicious code through compromised web applications. The vulnerability's severity is further compounded by the framework's typical deployment in enterprise environments where it often has access to internal networks and sensitive data repositories, making the potential impact of exploitation significantly greater than in isolated systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-32065 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any system running vulnerable versions of the RuoYi framework. Organizations utilizing this framework may face complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. The vulnerability can be exploited to deploy web shells, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to the compromised systems and perform reconnaissance activities without detection. Additionally, the arbitrary file upload capability enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges through exploitation of other system vulnerabilities, as the uploaded files can be executed with the privileges of the web server process. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the RuoYi framework is used for critical business applications, such as customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, or financial systems, where unauthorized access could result in substantial financial loss and regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure, leveraging the web server as a pivot point for lateral movement. Organizations may also face reputational damage and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through exploitation of this vulnerability, as it represents a significant security weakness in the application's defensive architecture that could be exploited by sophisticated threat actors. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many organizations continue to use outdated versions of the framework, prolonging the window of vulnerability exposure. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly attractive to automated exploit frameworks and script kiddies, increasing the likelihood of widespread exploitation across affected systems. Security teams must also consider the difficulty in detecting exploitation attempts, as malicious files may be uploaded and executed without leaving obvious traces in traditional log analysis systems. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the framework, but organizations may also need to conduct comprehensive security audits to identify any potential compromise that may have already occurred through exploitation of this vulnerability.