CVE-2024-2360 in lollms-webui
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2024
parisneo/lollms-webui is vulnerable to path traversal attacks that can lead to remote code execution due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in the 'Database path' and 'PDF LaTeX path' settings. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating these settings to execute arbitrary code on the targeted server. The issue affects the latest version of the software. The vulnerability stems from the application's handling of the 'discussion_db_name' and 'pdf_latex_path' parameters, which do not properly validate file paths, allowing for directory traversal. This vulnerability can also lead to further file exposure and other attack vectors by manipulating the 'discussion_db_name' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2360 affects the parisneo/lollms-webui application, presenting a critical security risk through path traversal flaws that can escalate to remote code execution. This weakness resides in the application's insufficient input sanitization mechanisms within the 'Database path' and 'PDF LaTeX path' configuration settings. The vulnerability specifically targets the 'discussion_db_name' and 'pdf_latex_path' parameters, which fail to properly validate user-supplied file paths, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate these inputs for unauthorized system access. The flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding principles and falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal. This vulnerability type has been extensively documented in cybersecurity frameworks and represents one of the most prevalent attack vectors targeting web applications and their configuration parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the 'discussion_db_name' parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as '../' or similar constructs that allow access beyond the intended directory boundaries. When the application processes these malformed paths without proper validation, it can execute arbitrary code on the target server by leveraging the application's file system access capabilities. The 'pdf_latex_path' parameter presents similar risks, allowing attackers to specify file paths that can lead to code execution or information disclosure. This vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive files, modify database contents, or even establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the latest version of the software, indicating that the issue has not been addressed in recent updates, leaving users exposed to potential exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-2360 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected server. Once exploited, the vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these configuration parameters are typically accessible through administrative interfaces, making them prime targets for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability can also facilitate information disclosure attacks, where attackers might gain access to database files, configuration details, or other sensitive system information. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059 for command and script injection, T1078 for valid accounts, and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments, as the exploitation process often involves manipulating legitimate administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-2360 must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, ensuring that all file paths are properly normalized and validated against a whitelist of acceptable directories. Organizations should immediately apply patches or updates from the software vendor if available, while simultaneously implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, restricting the application's file system access to only necessary directories and ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required permissions. Additionally, comprehensive logging and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous path traversal attempts, with security information and event management systems configured to alert on suspicious file access patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while application firewalls can be deployed to filter malicious path traversal attempts at the network level, providing an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts.