CVE-2023-49052 in Microweber
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2023
File Upload vulnerability in Microweber v.2.0.4 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the file upload function in the created forms component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-49052 represents a critical file upload flaw within the Microweber content management platform version 2.0.4 specifically affecting the created forms component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file upload implementations that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. The issue stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of file uploads within the forms functionality, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload malicious scripts to the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within a legitimate web application component designed for user interaction and form creation, making it more likely to be exposed to external threats.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker crafting a malicious script file that can be accepted by the file upload function within the created forms component. The flaw likely resides in the absence of proper file type validation, extension checking, or content verification mechanisms that would normally prevent execution of potentially harmful code. When the application processes the uploaded file, it fails to properly validate the file content or enforce strict security policies that would prevent a malicious script from being executed on the server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files from untrusted sources without proper validation. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability exists within a component designed for user interaction, meaning it could be exploited through legitimate user-facing interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially devastating for organizations using affected Microweber installations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability could enable attackers to upload web shells, reverse shells, or other malicious payloads that would provide them with unauthorized access to the server environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web application contexts as it can be exploited through standard web browsers without requiring special tools or privileges. Organizations running vulnerable versions may experience unauthorized access to their systems, potential data breaches, and complete compromise of their web applications, especially since the forms component is typically used for legitimate user submissions and interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-49052 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Microweber version to the latest secure release that addresses the file upload validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload restrictions including strict content type validation, filename sanitization, and enforcement of secure file extensions. The implementation of proper input validation and output encoding techniques should be enforced within the forms component to prevent malicious files from being processed. Security controls should include mandatory file type checking, size limitations, and the use of secure temporary storage with automatic cleanup of uploaded files. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable components and restrict access to the forms functionality. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications through file upload mechanisms, emphasizing the need for robust server-side validation and secure coding practices to prevent such attacks from succeeding.