CVE-2024-33749 in DedeCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2024
DedeCMS V5.7.114 is vulnerable to deletion of any file via mail_file_manage.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2025
DedeCMS version 5.7.114 contains a critical file deletion vulnerability in the mail_file_manage.php component that allows unauthorized users to remove arbitrary files from the target system. This vulnerability represents a severe access control flaw that can be exploited to compromise the integrity and availability of the web application and underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate authorization checks within the mail file management functionality, creating a path for malicious actors to manipulate file operations through crafted requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of file path parameters within the mail_file_manage.php script. When users submit requests to manage mail-related files, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the file paths provided in the request parameters. This allows attackers to supply malicious file paths that can traverse directory structures and target files outside the intended scope of the mail management functionality. The vulnerability specifically affects the file deletion operations, enabling attackers to remove critical system files, configuration files, or even executable components that could lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities and represents a significant threat to system security and business continuity. An attacker who can exploit this vulnerability gains the ability to remove critical application files, configuration settings, or even system binaries that could render the web application unusable or provide a foothold for further exploitation. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute a variety of malicious activities including data destruction, service disruption, and potentially privilege escalation within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary file deletion without proper authentication or authorization checks, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the affected web application.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability including input validation and parameter sanitization for all file operations within the mail management functionality. The recommended approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents directory traversal attacks and ensuring that all file operations are properly authenticated and authorized. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file deletion requests, along with conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Additionally, regular security assessments should be performed to ensure that all file management operations within the system are properly secured against unauthorized access and manipulation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) which are commonly exploited patterns in web application security. The attack vector can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1485 (Data Destruction) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) when leveraged for system compromise. Organizations should prioritize patching or implementing compensating controls as the primary mitigation strategy to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability in production environments.