CVE-2023-41005 in Pagekit
Summary
by MITRE • 08/29/2023
An issue in Pagekit pagekit v.1.0.18 alows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via thedownloadAction and updateAction functions in UpdateController.php
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41005 affects Pagekit version 1.0.18 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the UpdateController.php file. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization in the downloadAction and updateAction functions, which are designed to handle software update operations. The flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to manipulate the update process and execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of user-supplied parameters within the update controller functions. When the downloadAction and updateAction methods process incoming requests, they fail to adequately validate or sanitize input data that could be manipulated by an attacker. This lack of proper input validation creates a path for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code through the update mechanism. The vulnerability specifically targets the software update functionality, which typically operates with elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly more severe. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and falls under the broader category of CWE-74, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected Pagekit installation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify website content, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," as the code execution capability could be leveraged to run PowerShell commands or other system-level operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41005 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Pagekit version to the latest available release that contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to update endpoints, particularly when these endpoints are not required for regular operation. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious update-related requests, conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other controller functions, and establishing proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual update activities or file modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls to limit the permissions of the update process and ensure that any executed code operates with minimal necessary privileges to reduce potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.