CVE-2024-34315 in CmsEasy
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2024
CmsEasy v7.7.7.9 was discovered to contain a local file inclusion vunerability via the file_get_contents function in the fckedit_action method of /admin/template_admin.php. This vulnerability allows attackers to read arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34315 affects CmsEasy version 7.7.7.9 and represents a critical local file inclusion flaw that stems from improper input validation within the administrative template management component. This vulnerability exists within the fckedit_action method of the /admin/template_admin.php file where the file_get_contents function is utilized without adequate sanitization of user-supplied parameters. The flaw creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate file access operations and retrieve arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data including configuration files, database credentials, and application source code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the file_get_contents function which is designed to read file contents into a string. However, when this function processes user-controlled input without proper validation or sanitization, it becomes susceptible to manipulation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that include file path traversal sequences or direct file references, enabling them to access files outside the intended scope of the application's file operations. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it targets the administrative interface, which typically operates with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive configuration files that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, and administrative credentials. The vulnerability also potentially enables further attacks such as remote code execution through the inclusion of malicious PHP files, or privilege escalation attacks that could allow full administrative control over the CMS installation. This type of attack pattern is consistent with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 tactic for credential access and T1059 for execution through web shells.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the CmsEasy application to the latest secure version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should implement input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly within administrative functions that handle file operations. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and access control lists should be configured to restrict access to administrative endpoints and monitor for suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should include scanning for similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security gaps in input validation practices. System administrators should also implement principle of least privilege access controls for administrative interfaces and maintain comprehensive logging of file access operations to detect potential exploitation attempts.