CVE-2024-31011 in beescms
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
Arbitrary file write vulnerability in beescms v.4.0, allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a file path that was not isolated and the suffix was not verified in admin_template.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The CVE-2024-31011 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file write flaw in beescms version 4.0 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability resides within the admin_template.php file where the application fails to properly validate or isolate file paths during template operations. The absence of proper suffix verification creates an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate file operations and potentially write malicious content to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative template handling functionality, which typically requires elevated privileges and provides direct access to server-side file operations.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests as insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file path handling mechanism. The application does not perform adequate checks on file extensions or path components, allowing attackers to craft malicious file paths that bypass normal security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and more specifically aligns with CWE-73 which addresses External Control of File Name or Path. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway involves sending crafted requests that manipulate the template file writing process, potentially allowing attackers to upload malicious files such as web shells or other executable content that can be executed within the web server context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote attackers to achieve persistent code execution on the affected server. Once exploited, attackers can gain full control over the web application and potentially escalate privileges to the underlying operating system level. The vulnerability affects the entire administrative interface of beescms, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the entire content management system. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and establishment of persistent backdoors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server Software Component Compromise and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to execute arbitrary commands and scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-31011 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization of file paths within admin_template.php, ensuring that all file operations are restricted to predefined safe directories and that file extensions are strictly validated against allowed patterns. Organizations should implement proper path isolation mechanisms that prevent attackers from traversing directories or specifying absolute paths. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit administrative functionality to authenticated users only, and all administrative operations should be protected by robust authentication and authorization mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual file operations or attempts to upload suspicious files. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application's architecture. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper defense-in-depth strategies that include input validation, access control, and runtime monitoring to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.