CVE-2023-46990 in PublicCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
Deserialization of Untrusted Data in PublicCMS v.4.0.202302.e allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the writeReplace function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-46990 represents a critical deserialization flaw in PublicCMS version 4.0.202302.e that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This issue stems from improper input validation within the writeReplace function, which is part of the Java serialization mechanism. The vulnerability specifically affects the deserialization process where untrusted data is being processed without adequate sanitization or validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the Java serialization protocol's writeReplace method, which is designed to customize the serialization process for objects. When PublicCMS processes user-supplied data through this mechanism, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming serialized objects before deserializing them. This creates a direct attack vector where an attacker can craft a malicious serialized object that, when processed by the writeReplace function, executes unintended code with the privileges of the application server. The vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of remote services through deserialization attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive data, system resources, and the ability to establish persistent access within the affected environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, perform data exfiltration, or deploy additional malware. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running PublicCMS v.4.0.202302.e are at significant risk of compromise, especially if the application is exposed to untrusted networks or user-facing interfaces that process external input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46990 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PublicCMS version to address the deserialization vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted data from reaching the deserialization layer. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Additionally, application-level firewalls and intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious deserialization patterns. The implementation of secure coding practices, including the avoidance of dangerous deserialization methods and the use of alternative serialization formats that do not rely on the vulnerable writeReplace mechanism, should be considered as part of comprehensive remediation efforts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potential deserialization vulnerabilities within their application stack and ensure that all third-party components are regularly updated to address known security issues.