CVE-2024-28405 in SEMCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
SEMCMS 4.8 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. The code installs SEMCMS_Funtion.php before checking if the admin is a valid user in the admin page because authentication function is called from there, users gain admin privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28405 affects SEMCMS version 4.8 and represents a critical access control flaw that fundamentally undermines the application's security model. This issue stems from a flawed implementation where the system executes administrative functions before performing proper user authentication checks, creating a dangerous privilege escalation vector that allows unauthorized users to assume administrative roles without legitimate credentials.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the application's administrative page handling logic where the SEMCMS_Funtion.php file is loaded and executed prior to authentication verification. This premature execution of administrative code creates a window of opportunity where user sessions can be manipulated to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient authorization checks during critical system operations. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the application fails to validate user permissions before executing privileged operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve full administrative control over affected SEMCMS installations with minimal technical expertise. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows attackers to modify content, alter user permissions, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require advanced techniques or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where SEMCMS is widely deployed. This flaw can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized modification of web content, representing a significant risk to organizations relying on this content management system.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is substantial given SEMCMS's deployment in various web environments including corporate websites, government portals, and educational institutions. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically T1068 which covers local privilege escalation and T1548 which addresses abuse of privileges. Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including disabling administrative functions until a patch is applied, implementing additional authentication layers, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper code review practices and adherence to security development lifecycle principles to prevent similar issues in future implementations.