CVE-2023-7040 in Stupid Simple CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS up to 1.2.4. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file /file-manager/rename.php. The manipulation of the argument oldName leads to path traversal: '../filedir'. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-248689 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-7040 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS version 1.2.4 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the file manager component, specifically within the rename.php script that handles file renaming operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the oldName parameter, which allows attackers to manipulate file paths through crafted input sequences. The affected functionality operates within the context of a content management system designed for simplicity, yet this vulnerability exposes a fundamental security flaw that undermines the system's integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the oldName argument to include directory traversal sequences such as '../filedir'. When processed by the vulnerable rename.php script, this input allows attackers to navigate outside the intended file directory structure and potentially access, modify, or delete files that should remain restricted. This path traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector is remote, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within the CMS environment. Given that this is a file manager component, successful exploitation could allow attackers to rename files to malicious payloads, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's disclosure status, indicated by the assigned VDB-248689 identifier, suggests that working exploits are publicly available, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may leverage the path traversal to upload and execute malicious files within the web root directory. The remote exploitability makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations running the affected CMS version, as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the web application without requiring authentication.
Organizations utilizing codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the software where the vulnerability has been patched. The patch should address the input validation issues in the rename.php script by implementing proper sanitization of user-supplied file paths and enforcing strict directory boundaries. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block path traversal attempts, restricting file manager functionality to authenticated users only, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits should be performed to ensure no other path traversal vulnerabilities exist within the system. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector underscores the importance of immediate remediation and continuous monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts.