CVE-2024-23756 in Official Docker
Summary
by MITRE • 02/08/2024
The HTTP PUT and DELETE methods are enabled in the Plone official Docker version 5.2.13 (5221), allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute dangerous actions such as uploading files to the server or deleting them.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23756 affects the Plone content management system version 5.2.13 when deployed using the official Docker container. This security flaw stems from the improper configuration of HTTP method handling within the application's web server implementation. The core issue manifests when the PUT and DELETE HTTP methods remain enabled in the production environment, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability represents a critical configuration oversight that directly violates fundamental web application security principles and best practices for access control enforcement.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in authorization mechanisms. When the PUT method is enabled, attackers can upload arbitrary files to the server, potentially leading to remote code execution through malicious payload delivery. The DELETE method enables unauthorized removal of existing files, creating opportunities for data destruction and service disruption. These capabilities are particularly dangerous in containerized environments where the Docker deployment may not properly isolate the application from the underlying host system, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or compromise the entire container infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard HTTP client tools or automated scanning frameworks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-23756 extends beyond simple file manipulation capabilities, creating multiple attack vectors that can result in complete system compromise. An unauthenticated attacker with knowledge of the vulnerable Plone instance can execute a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to uploading web shells, modifying critical application files, deleting important content, and potentially gaining persistent access to the server. The implications are particularly severe in environments where Plone serves as a critical content management platform for enterprise or government organizations. This vulnerability can be leveraged as an initial access point for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to data breaches, service availability issues, or compliance violations. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many organizations deploy Plone in production environments without proper security hardening, making the exploitation of this vulnerability more likely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-23756 should focus on immediate configuration changes to disable the problematic HTTP methods within the Plone application. Organizations must ensure that the Docker container configuration explicitly disables PUT and DELETE methods at the web server level, typically through Apache or Nginx configuration files. The recommended approach involves implementing proper access control mechanisms that enforce authentication requirements before allowing any file manipulation operations. Security teams should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the vulnerable endpoints and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Plone deployments, review all HTTP method configurations, and establish regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar misconfigurations. The remediation process should include updating to the latest Plone version where applicable and implementing proper security hardening practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ensuring that the solution addresses both the immediate vulnerability and prevents similar issues from occurring in the future.