CVE-2024-0603 in ZhiCms
Summary
by MITRE • 01/17/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in ZhiCms up to 4.0. This affects an unknown part of the file app/plug/controller/giftcontroller.php. The manipulation of the argument mylike leads to deserialization. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-250839.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0603 represents a critical security flaw within ZhiCms version 4.0 and earlier, specifically targeting the giftcontroller.php file within the application's plug controller module. This issue stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data, creating a dangerous pathway for remote code execution through object deserialization attacks. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates its severe potential impact on system security and the high probability of successful exploitation by malicious actors. The affected component resides in the app/plug/controller/giftcontroller.php file, suggesting this is part of the application's plugin architecture where user input is processed without adequate sanitization measures.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of the mylike argument parameter, which when improperly handled during deserialization processes creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious objects into the application's memory space. This deserialization vulnerability allows an attacker to craft specially crafted input that, when processed by the giftcontroller.php script, can execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to initiate the attack, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community further elevates the risk level, as malicious actors can immediately leverage this knowledge without requiring additional reconnaissance or development time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established within the affected environment. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads through the deserialization chain. The attack vector's remote nature means that organizations with internet-facing ZhiCms installations are immediately at risk, regardless of their internal network security measures. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-502, which describes deserialization of untrusted data as a dangerous practice that can lead to remote code execution and privilege escalation attacks. The exploitability factor of this vulnerability is further supported by its inclusion in public vulnerability databases, indicating that security researchers and threat actors have already developed working exploitation techniques.
Organizations utilizing ZhiCms versions up to 4.0 must implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect their systems from potential exploitation. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches provided by the ZhiCms development team, which should address the deserialization vulnerability in the giftcontroller.php file. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected application components, particularly when the application is exposed to untrusted networks. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened throughout the application, with special attention to parameters that undergo deserialization processes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in the giftcontroller.php access logs, and automated vulnerability scanning should be employed to identify any remaining instances of this vulnerability within the application's codebase. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-stage attack approach that threat actors might employ to leverage this deserialization flaw effectively.