CVE-2022-45544 in SCHLIX
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2023
Insecure Permission vulnerability in Schlix Web Inc SCHLIX CMS 2.2.7-2 allows attacker to upload arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via the tristao parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The CVE-2022-45544 vulnerability represents a critical insecure permission flaw within the SCHLIX CMS version 2.2.7-2, specifically affecting the tristao parameter handling mechanism. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls that permit unauthorized users to bypass normal security restrictions. The flaw exists in the content management system's file upload functionality where the tristao parameter fails to properly validate user permissions or sanitize file inputs, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the system's file handling capabilities. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker manipulates the tristao parameter to upload malicious files without proper authorization, effectively undermining the CMS's built-in security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a straightforward yet dangerous attack vector that leverages the CMS's insufficient permission checks. When the tristao parameter is manipulated, it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly access the file upload functionality. This flaw enables arbitrary file uploads that can include web shells, malicious scripts, or other executable content that can be executed within the context of the web server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers external control of filename or path, both of which are fundamental security weaknesses in file handling operations. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include and T1059.007 for command and script injection, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be leveraged for remote code execution and persistence within the target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-45544 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using SCHLIX CMS 2.2.7-2, potentially exposing thousands of websites to remote code execution attacks, particularly those that do not implement additional security controls or monitoring mechanisms. The ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical skill to leverage, enabling both automated attacks and targeted campaigns against vulnerable installations. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses due to the potential for data theft, service disruption, and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-45544 require immediate action to address the underlying permission flaws and implement comprehensive security controls. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrade to a patched version of SCHLIX CMS that properly validates the tristao parameter and enforces strict access controls. Organizations should also implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all parameters and restrict file upload capabilities to authenticated administrators only. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected CMS version and implement proper access controls, file type validation, and upload directory permissions. The remediation process should include reviewing system logs for evidence of exploitation attempts, implementing rate limiting for file upload operations, and establishing automated monitoring for unauthorized access patterns. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the web application infrastructure.