CVE-2022-34613 in Mealie
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2022
Mealie 1.0.0beta3 contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2022
The CVE-2022-34613 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw in Mealie version 1.0.0beta3, a popular open-source recipe management application. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file handling and improper input validation, creating a pathway for remote code execution through malicious file uploads. The flaw exists within the application's file processing mechanisms, where insufficient validation allows attackers to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions or content types. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file type validation and content inspection within the Mealie application's upload functionality. Attackers can craft malicious files with extensions such as .php, .jsp, or other server-side script formats that the application fails to properly validate. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Upload of Code" where applications allow file uploads without proper security checks. This weakness allows malicious actors to upload web shells or other executable payloads that can be executed by the web server, providing them with unauthorized access to the underlying system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web interface interactions without requiring special privileges or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-34613 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, which can lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can deploy web shells to maintain access, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Mealie for recipe management, potentially exposing sensitive data and creating entry points for lateral movement. Additionally, the impact extends beyond immediate system compromise as attackers can use the compromised instance to launch attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter" for executing malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-34613 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Mealie version to the latest stable release where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms that reject executable file types and enforce proper content type checking. The application should be configured to store uploaded files outside the web root directory and implement proper file permissions to prevent execution of uploaded content. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file upload activities and unauthorized code execution attempts. Security controls should include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious upload requests and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should enforce principle of least privilege for file upload functionality and implement automated scanning for malicious content within uploaded files to prevent exploitation attempts.