CVE-2023-40504 in Simple Editor
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
LG Simple Editor readVideoInfo Command Injection Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of LG Simple Editor. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the readVideoInfo method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. . Was ZDI-CAN-19953.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The CVE-2023-40504 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in LG Simple Editor that enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. This vulnerability resides within the readVideoInfo method of the application, where insufficient input validation permits malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that are subsequently executed through system calls. The absence of proper sanitization mechanisms creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and execute code with SYSTEM-level permissions, effectively compromising the entire system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically representing command injection flaws that occur when application programs execute operating system commands based on user-provided input without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability's remote exploitability eliminates the need for authentication, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can target affected systems from anywhere on the network without requiring prior access credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection attack vector where user-supplied data flows directly into system command execution contexts. When the readVideoInfo method processes video information requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before incorporating them into system calls. This design flaw allows attackers to craft malicious input sequences that, when processed by the application, result in unintended command execution. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs entirely within the application layer, bypassing traditional network-level security controls. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing specially crafted video information requests that contain malicious command sequences, which are then executed with the privileges of the application process. The SYSTEM-level execution context represents a severe privilege escalation scenario, as it provides attackers with complete control over the target system, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-40504 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected LG Simple Editor versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where these applications are deployed on servers or workstations with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's authentication-free nature means that attackers can exploit it opportunistically, making it particularly attractive for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. Security professionals must consider the potential for this vulnerability to serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, as attackers often use initial access points to establish persistence and move laterally through compromised networks. The vulnerability's presence in a media processing application creates additional risk as attackers can leverage it through common attack vectors such as web-based exploitation, file upload mechanisms, or direct API calls that process video metadata. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use system commands to execute malicious code remotely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40504 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. Organizations must prioritize updating to the latest versions of LG Simple Editor that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as provided by the vendor. In the interim, administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to affected systems, particularly by blocking external access to ports commonly used by the application. Input validation measures should be enhanced to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, implementing proper escaping and encoding mechanisms to prevent command injection attempts. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access, they cannot easily escalate privileges or move laterally through the network. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual system command execution patterns and anomalous network traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-77 and its exploitation patterns align with standard security frameworks that emphasize the importance of input validation, privilege separation, and comprehensive network monitoring to prevent and detect such critical flaws.