CVE-2023-27842 in eXtplorer
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2023
Insecure Permissions vulnerability found in Extplorer File manager eXtplorer v.2.1.15 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the index.php compenent
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2023
The CVE-2023-27842 vulnerability represents a critical insecure permissions flaw within the eXtplorer file manager version 2.1.15 which exposes a remote code execution vector through the index.php component. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-276 category of Insecure Permissions, where the application fails to properly enforce access controls and permission models. The flaw specifically manifests in how the application handles file and directory permissions, creating an environment where unauthorized users can manipulate system resources through crafted requests to the index.php endpoint. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent arbitrary file operations and code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly authenticate and authorize requests to the index.php component. When a remote attacker sends specific requests to this component, the system does not adequately verify the user's privileges or validate the legitimacy of the operations being requested. This allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute malicious code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, where attackers can leverage the compromised permissions to upload malicious files, modify existing resources, or execute arbitrary commands on the server. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests that exploit the weak permission checks in the application's core component.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to systems running the affected eXtplorer version as it enables complete compromise of the file management functionality. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the system through the compromised file manager interface, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system infiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation, as the compromised application may run with elevated system permissions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where eXtplorer is used for managing sensitive data or where the application has access to critical system resources. The vulnerability can be exploited by any remote attacker without requiring prior authentication, making it especially dangerous for publicly accessible systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27842 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected eXtplorer version to the latest secure release that addresses the permission handling issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running eXtplorer and apply strict firewall rules to restrict access to the index.php component. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to execute arbitrary code. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file operations and unauthorized access attempts to the file manager component. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar permission-related issues in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include reviewing and hardening the application's file system permissions to ensure that only authorized users can perform critical operations. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable index.php component.