CVE-2023-2059 in DedeCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/14/2023
A vulnerability was found in DedeCMS 5.7.87. It has been rated as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file uploads/include/dialog/select_templets.php. The manipulation leads to path traversal: '..\filedir'. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-225944.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2059 represents a critical path traversal flaw within DedeCMS version 5.7.87, specifically affecting the file uploads/include/dialog/select_templets.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of user-supplied directory paths, creating a dangerous condition where attackers can manipulate file system navigation through crafted input sequences. The flaw manifests when the application processes directory traversal attempts using the pattern '.. iledir' which indicates a malformed path manipulation attack vector. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being exploited in the wild, making it particularly dangerous for organizations running affected versions of the content management system.
The technical exploitation of this path traversal vulnerability occurs through remote code execution capabilities that allow attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access or manipulate files beyond the normal application boundaries. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerability classification, which describes the condition where user-controllable input is not properly validated before being used in file system operations. The attack vector operates entirely through network-based communication, requiring no local system access or authentication credentials, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. The specific implementation in DedeCMS demonstrates a failure in proper path normalization and validation, allowing attackers to bypass directory restrictions and potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code on the affected server.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2059 extends beyond simple file access violations to encompass potential complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Organizations utilizing affected DedeCMS installations face significant risk of unauthorized access to database credentials, user information, and administrative interfaces. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without physical presence or network access, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installations, data breaches, and service disruption. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, and potentially establish footholds for further lateral movement within network environments. The disclosed exploit code available in VDB-225944 accelerates the threat landscape, enabling even less sophisticated attackers to leverage this vulnerability effectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2059 should prioritize immediate patching of affected DedeCMS installations to the latest supported versions that contain proper input validation and path traversal prevention mechanisms. Organizations must implement robust input sanitization procedures that validate and normalize all user-supplied paths before processing, ensuring that directory traversal sequences are properly rejected or neutralized. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious path traversal patterns and block malicious requests. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all instances of DedeCMS installations and ensure proper access controls are implemented. The implementation of principle of least privilege for file system permissions can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and penetration testing help identify additional vulnerabilities that may compound the risk associated with this path traversal flaw.