CVE-2023-7041 in Stupid Simple CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in codelyfe Stupid Simple CMS up to 1.2.4. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /file-manager/rename.php. The manipulation of the argument newName leads to path traversal: '../filedir'. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-248690 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-7041 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's rename functionality, specifically within the /file-manager/rename.php component where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the newName parameter. The vulnerability enables attackers to traverse directories by utilizing the '../filedir' pattern, which can be exploited to access files outside the intended directory structure. This path traversal vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with network access to the vulnerable system. The exploitation of this flaw could potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive files, system information disclosure, and in severe cases, complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the rename.php script. When the newName parameter is processed, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file system operations. This lack of input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious path traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal, both of which are categorized under the OWASP Top Ten as critical security risks. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as it can be exploited through remote access to execute arbitrary commands or access sensitive data. The vulnerability's classification as critical by the vendor indicates the severity of potential impact on system integrity and data confidentiality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can lead to comprehensive system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. An attacker could potentially traverse to system directories, access configuration files containing database credentials, or even upload malicious files to achieve persistent access. The public disclosure of the exploit (VDB-248690) significantly increases the risk to organizations running vulnerable versions of the CMS, as malicious actors can readily implement the attack without requiring advanced technical skills. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted application but also potentially exposes the underlying server infrastructure to further attacks. Organizations using this CMS version may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage if exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-7041 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable CMS version to the latest available release. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected application and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious path traversal attempts. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application code, network perimeter, and database access controls. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable CMS across their infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are implemented. Additionally, regular security monitoring should be established to detect suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls for file system operations can significantly reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.