CVE-2023-44974 in Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the component /admin/plugin.php of Emlog Pro v2.2.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via uploading a crafted PHP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-44974 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within the Emlog Pro content management system version 2.2.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the administrative plugin management component located at /admin/plugin.php, creating a pathway for remote attackers to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized control over the affected system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type verification mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize uploaded files, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and deploy malicious code directly onto the target server.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests as a failure in the application's file upload validation process where the system does not adequately verify the file extensions, MIME types, or content of uploaded files. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a PHP payload and uploading it through the vulnerable plugin.php endpoint, which then gets executed on the server with the privileges of the web application. This arbitrary code execution capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses the improper restriction of uploads of executable files, and represents a classic example of insecure file handling practices that have been documented across numerous web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using Emlog Pro v2.2.0. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full control over the web server hosting the CMS, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers from anywhere on the internet. Additionally, the attack surface extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks, as attackers can use the compromised server as a foothold for further infiltration. This vulnerability also poses significant risk to data integrity and availability, as attackers can modify, delete, or corrupt stored content and user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44974 should prioritize immediate patching of the Emlog Pro application to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file upload restrictions including mandatory file type validation, content inspection, and the use of secure file naming conventions. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper input sanitization measures. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both application-layer and network-based threats. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging of file upload activities to detect suspicious behavior and enable rapid incident response capabilities.