CVE-2022-46135 in AeroCms
Summary
by MITRE • 12/16/2022
In AeroCms v0.0.1, there is an arbitrary file upload vulnerability at /admin/posts.php?source=edit_post , through which we can upload webshell and control the web server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46135 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw in AeroCms version 0.0.1 that directly compromises the integrity and security of web applications. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface at the specific endpoint /admin/posts.php?source=edit_post, where the application fails to properly validate file types during the upload process. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to bypass security controls and upload malicious files, including webshells, which can subsequently provide full control over the compromised web server. This issue falls under the category of CWE-434, which specifically addresses the insecure upload of files that can execute code on the target system. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms that directly violates the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first obtain valid administrative credentials, as the upload functionality is restricted to authenticated users. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage the insecure file upload mechanism to bypass filters and upload malicious payloads to the server. The webshell upload capability enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised server, establish persistent access, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system control. This vulnerability creates a direct path for attackers to move laterally within the network and extract sensitive data, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the web server may host critical business applications and data. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which involves execution through command and scripting interpreters.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-46135 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Organizations running affected AeroCms installations face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and system manipulation that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to persistent backdoors that remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain access while conducting reconnaissance and data collection activities. Additionally, the compromised server may become part of a botnet or used as a staging area for further attacks against other systems within the organization's network perimeter. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects a content management system that may be used for critical business operations, potentially exposing sensitive customer information, proprietary data, and intellectual property. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, file type restrictions, and access control measures to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-46135 should focus on implementing comprehensive security controls including proper file type validation, restricting upload directories, and implementing robust access controls for administrative functions. Organizations should ensure that all file uploads undergo strict validation against a whitelist of allowed file extensions and MIME types, while also implementing proper file naming conventions to prevent directory traversal attacks. The application should enforce strict access controls for administrative endpoints, requiring multi-factor authentication and implementing role-based access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing arbitrary file upload attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should also ensure that all software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches and that proper security monitoring is in place to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.