CVE-2023-51421 in Verge3D Publishing and E-Commerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2023
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Soft8Soft LLC Verge3D Publishing and E-Commerce.This issue affects Verge3D Publishing and E-Commerce: from n/a through 4.5.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51421 represents a critical security flaw in the Verge3D Publishing and E-Commerce platform developed by Soft8Soft LLC. This issue manifests as an unrestricted file upload vulnerability that allows malicious actors to upload files with dangerous types, potentially leading to remote code execution and complete system compromise. The vulnerability exists within the platform's file handling mechanisms and affects all versions from the initial release through version 4.5.2, indicating a long-standing security gap that has not been adequately addressed. The affected software is commonly used for 3d content publishing and e-commerce functionality, making it a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit web applications.
The technical flaw underlying this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of file uploads within the Verge3D platform. When users attempt to upload files through the application's interface, the system fails to properly verify the file type, content, or extension against a comprehensive whitelist of allowed formats. This lack of proper input validation creates an exploitable condition where attackers can bypass security controls and upload malicious files such as php, aspx, or other executable scripts that can be executed on the server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses the insecure upload of code or data, and represents a classic example of inadequate file type validation in web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload backdoor scripts that provide persistent access to the compromised system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system takeover, or use as a launchpad for further attacks within the network.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51421 extends far beyond simple data loss or service disruption, as it provides attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on the affected server. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the platform's underlying infrastructure, potentially compromising all user data, customer information, and business-critical assets stored within the system. The implications are particularly severe for e-commerce implementations where sensitive payment information, personal data, and business intellectual property may be at risk. Organizations using Verge3D Publishing and E-Commerce are exposed to potential regulatory violations under data protection laws such as gdpr and pci dss, as well as significant financial and reputational damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability also aligns with several techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting the use of malicious file uploads as a method for establishing persistence within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51421 must be implemented immediately and comprehensively to protect affected systems. Organizations should first apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address this specific vulnerability, as Soft8Soft LLC has likely released remediation measures. Additionally, implementing robust file validation mechanisms that enforce strict whitelisting of acceptable file types, implementing proper content type checking, and deploying web application firewalls can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The security posture should include regular security audits of file upload functionality, implementation of multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege access controls, ensuring that upload functionality is restricted to authorized users only, and establishing proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and regular penetration testing can provide additional layers of defense against this and similar vulnerabilities, while compliance with industry standards such as owasp top 10 and iso 27001 should guide the overall security implementation approach.