CVE-2023-44824 in Expense Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
An issue in Expense Management System v.1.0 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file uploaded to the sign-up.php component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2023
The Expense Management System version 1.0 contains a critical vulnerability that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious file uploads in the sign-up.php component. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw that undermines the system's integrity and exposes it to remote code execution attacks. The flaw occurs within the user registration functionality where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file uploads, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls by leveraging legitimate system functions that are designed for user registration and account creation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and file handling mechanisms within the sign-up.php component. Attackers can craft malicious files with specific extensions or payloads that are not properly filtered or rejected by the system's upload validation logic. This weakness allows the system to accept and process potentially harmful files that could contain executable code, scripts, or malicious payloads designed to exploit the target environment. The vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses documented in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog, specifically mapping to CWE-434 which covers "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and potentially CWE-749 which addresses "Exposed Dangerous Method or Function." The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability exists in a component that is frequently accessed during normal system operations, making it an attractive target for exploitation. The system's failure to implement proper file type checking, content validation, or execution restrictions creates a persistent risk that can be exploited repeatedly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using the Expense Management System, as it allows for complete system compromise through what appears to be a legitimate user registration process. The implications include potential data exfiltration, system downtime, and unauthorized access to sensitive financial information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, install additional malware, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for attacking other network resources. The local attack vector suggests that the vulnerability may be exploitable even in environments where network-level protections are in place, as attackers only need access to the system itself to initiate the exploit. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with limited physical security controls or those operating in environments where unauthorized physical access is possible. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the system runs with elevated permissions, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative access to the entire system infrastructure.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention strategies. Organizations should implement comprehensive file validation mechanisms that reject suspicious file types, enforce strict content checking, and apply proper file extension filtering to prevent malicious uploads. The system should be updated to include proper input sanitization, use of secure file handling practices, and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious upload attempts. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit file upload capabilities to authorized users only, and the system should be configured to execute uploaded files in restricted environments. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components, as this type of weakness often indicates broader security gaps. The remediation process should also include monitoring for anomalous file upload activities and implementing logging mechanisms that track user registration attempts and file handling operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should follow established security frameworks and guidelines such as those provided by the ATT&CK framework, which categorizes this type of vulnerability under techniques related to initial access and execution, emphasizing the need for robust endpoint protection and application security controls.