CVE-2023-40499 in Simple Editor
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
LG Simple Editor mkdir Directory Traversal Arbitrary File Deletion Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files on affected installations of LG Simple Editor. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the mkdir command implemented in the makeDetailContent method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to delete files in the context of SYSTEM. . Was ZDI-CAN-19926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The CVE-2023-40499 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in LG Simple Editor that enables remote attackers to perform arbitrary file deletion without authentication requirements. This vulnerability resides within the mkdir command implementation of the makeDetailContent method, demonstrating a fundamental failure in input validation mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file paths through user-supplied input, bypassing normal access controls and potentially compromising the entire system. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required to exploit it, making it accessible to any remote attacker with network connectivity to the affected system. The impact extends to SYSTEM context execution, indicating that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and complete control over the affected system's file system operations.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-supplied data is directly used in file operations without adequate sanitization or verification. The attack vector leverages the absence of proper path validation mechanisms that should ensure file operations occur within designated safe directories. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for systems that are exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which covers "File Deletion" through the manipulation of file system operations and path traversal mechanisms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in severe operational consequences including complete system compromise, data loss, and potential persistence mechanisms for attackers. Attackers can leverage this flaw to delete critical system files, configuration files, or user data, potentially rendering the affected system non-operational. The SYSTEM context execution privilege escalation means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to remove security-related files, modify system binaries, or disable protective mechanisms. Organizations running LG Simple Editor software are particularly vulnerable as this flaw affects installations where the application is accessible over network interfaces. The vulnerability's impact is further compounded by its remote exploitability, meaning that attackers do not need physical access or network proximity to the target system. This characteristic makes it suitable for large-scale automated attacks and increases the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40499 should prioritize immediate patching of affected LG Simple Editor installations, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Input validation measures should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied paths are properly sanitized before any file operations are performed. The implementation of least privilege principles should be enforced to minimize the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file deletion activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file modifications or deletions. The vulnerability's classification as a directory traversal issue underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation at all levels of application development. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this type of vulnerability, as it could lead to significant operational disruptions and security breaches.