CVE-2024-2001 in Cockpit
Summary
by MITRE • 02/29/2024
A Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Cockpit CMS affecting version 2.7.0. This vulnerability could allow an authenticated user to upload an infected PDF file and store a malicious JavaScript payload to be executed when the file is uploaded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2001 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cockpit CMS version 2.7.0 that exposes organizations to persistent security risks through malicious file uploads. This vulnerability specifically targets the content management system's file handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the system. The flaw occurs during the PDF file upload process, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate file metadata, allowing attackers to embed executable payloads that persist within the system's storage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Attackers can leverage this privilege to upload specially crafted PDF files containing embedded JavaScript payloads that will execute when the file is accessed or processed by the CMS. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the file processing pipeline, allowing malicious code to bypass security controls designed to prevent code injection attacks. This weakness aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications, and demonstrates how file upload functionalities can become attack vectors when proper sanitization measures are absent.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-2001 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors within the CMS environment. When the malicious PDF files are accessed by other users or system processes, the embedded JavaScript executes in the context of the victim's browser, potentially compromising user sessions and data confidentiality. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in multi-user CMS environments where administrators or content creators might inadvertently access compromised files, leading to widespread privilege escalation. This attack vector also supports the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, demonstrating how attackers can leverage legitimate application functionality to achieve malicious objectives.
Organizations utilizing Cockpit CMS version 2.7.0 must implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems from exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest stable version of Cockpit CMS where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of file metadata. Additionally, implementing strict file type validation and content scanning mechanisms can help prevent malicious files from being stored within the system. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns and JavaScript payloads within uploaded content. Regular security assessments and user access reviews are essential to ensure that only authorized personnel have the privilege to upload files, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security requirements, particularly in preventing insecure file handling and input validation failures that can lead to code injection attacks.