CVE-2024-26566 in Cute Http File Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2024
An issue in Cute Http File Server v.3.1 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the password verification component.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-26566 affects Cute Http File Server version 3.1 and represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the password verification mechanism. This issue enables remote attackers to bypass authentication controls and gain elevated system privileges without proper authorization. The vulnerability resides in how the application handles user authentication and validation processes, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to administrative functions and system resources. The affected software operates as a lightweight web server designed for file sharing and HTTP serving capabilities, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise file systems and network resources. Security researchers have identified that the flaw manifests during the authentication phase when the system fails to properly validate user credentials, allowing malicious actors to escalate their privileges through crafted requests or exploitation of the verification component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication flow handling within the server's password verification logic. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific requests that manipulate the authentication process, potentially bypassing the standard login mechanisms entirely. The flaw likely involves improper handling of authentication tokens, session management, or credential validation routines that fail to properly enforce access controls. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and may also relate to CWE-305 which covers authentication bypass through multiple attempts or manipulation of authentication parameters. The system's failure to properly validate user credentials creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation, allowing attackers to assume administrative roles and gain access to restricted functionalities and data within the server environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-26566 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized modification of server content. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the file server, including the ability to upload malicious files, modify existing content, delete important data, and potentially use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The implications are particularly severe for organizations that rely on Cute Http File Server for sensitive data storage or file sharing operations, as the vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the attack occurs through legitimate authentication mechanisms, making it difficult to distinguish between normal user activity and malicious exploitation. The vulnerability also poses risks to compliance requirements, as unauthorized access to file systems could violate data protection regulations and industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-26566 should prioritize immediate patching and updates from the software vendor to address the underlying authentication bypass mechanism. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected servers to untrusted networks and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of Cute Http File Server version 3.1 within their environments and ensure proper access controls are implemented. Additional protective measures include implementing strong authentication mechanisms, enabling multi-factor authentication where possible, and regularly monitoring system logs for unauthorized access attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1078 credential access tactic and T1548 privilege escalation technique. Organizations should also consider implementing zero trust network principles to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities by enforcing strict access controls and continuous verification of user identities and system integrity. Regular security awareness training for administrators can help prevent misconfigurations that might exacerbate the vulnerability's impact.