CVE-2023-3744 in SLiMS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability in SLims version 9.6.0. This vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker to send requests to internal services or upload the contents of relevant files via the "scrape_image.php" file in the imageURL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3744 affects SLims version 9.6.0 and represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated attackers to manipulate server-side requests through the scrape_image.php script. This vulnerability specifically targets the imageURL parameter within the application's image processing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and interact with internal network services that should remain isolated from external exposure. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the URLs accepted by the application's image scraping feature, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary endpoints within the internal network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-918, which classifies Server-Side Request Forgery as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied URLs before using them in server-side requests. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage the authenticated session to make requests to internal services such as databases, administrative interfaces, or other sensitive components that are typically protected by network segmentation. The vulnerability particularly affects the scrape_image.php file which processes image URLs and downloads content from remote sources, creating an attack surface where the application acts as an intermediary for malicious requests. This allows threat actors to potentially access internal resources that would otherwise be protected by firewalls or other network security controls, effectively bypassing the typical perimeter-based security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3744 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform file system traversal and potentially upload content to the server. This could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or access sensitive data stored within the application's internal network environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid credentials can potentially exploit this flaw, making it a significant risk for organizations where user access controls are not properly enforced. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes web protocols usage for command and control communications, and T1566.001, which covers spearphishing via web links, as attackers can craft malicious URLs that appear legitimate to users but actually target internal infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization for all URL parameters within the application, particularly those used in server-side request functionality. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate critical internal services from the application server, ensuring that even if an attacker successfully exploits the vulnerability, their access remains limited to the compromised application rather than the broader internal network. The implementation of a proper web application firewall with URL filtering capabilities can provide an additional layer of protection by blocking requests to internal IP addresses or domains that should not be accessible through the application. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon release, and organizations should conduct thorough penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual outbound requests from the application server can help detect exploitation attempts before they result in significant damage. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security code reviews to prevent similar flaws in future development cycles.