CVE-2023-41564 in Cockpit
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2023
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Upload Asset function of Cockpit CMS v2.6.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via uploading a crafted .shtml file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-41564 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within Cockpit CMS version 2.6.3 that directly enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This issue resides in the Upload Asset functionality where the application fails to adequately validate file extensions and content types during the upload process. The specific exploitation vector involves uploading a malicious .shtml file which the CMS does not properly restrict, allowing attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent execution of server-side includes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of uploaded files and lack of proper file type verification mechanisms that would normally prevent the upload of potentially dangerous file formats.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration where the application relies on client-side validation or inadequate server-side checks to determine file acceptability. When a user uploads a .shtml file, the system does not properly verify whether the file contains executable content or if its extension matches its actual file type. This weakness creates an opportunity for attackers to upload files that can be executed on the web server, particularly when the server is configured to process .shtml files as executable content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities, where applications fail to validate file types and content, allowing malicious files to be uploaded and executed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Cockpit CMS installations as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities on the affected server. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include full system compromise, as attackers can upload web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that persist across server restarts. The attack surface is particularly concerning for content management systems that host sensitive data, as the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the entire CMS infrastructure. This weakness enables attackers to perform actions such as data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and establishment of covert communication channels that can be used for further network infiltration.
Organizations utilizing Cockpit CMS v2.6.3 should immediately implement mitigations including restricting file upload capabilities to only allow safe file types such as images, documents, and other non-executable formats. The system configuration should enforce strict file type validation at both the application and web server levels, implementing Content Security Policies that prevent execution of uploaded files. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to block suspicious file upload requests and monitor for patterns associated with this specific vulnerability. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that implements proper file validation mechanisms, including MIME type checking, file content analysis, and proper file extension filtering. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary file processing capabilities for uploaded content and implementing proper access controls to limit who can upload files to the system. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure file upload implementation practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to achieve remote code execution through file upload mechanisms.