CVE-2024-38529 in admidio
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2024
Admidio is a free, open source user management system for websites of organizations and groups. In Admidio before version 4.3.10, there is a Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in the Message module of the Admidio Application, where it is possible to upload a PHP file in the attachment. The uploaded file can be accessed publicly through the URL `{admidio_base_url}/adm_my_files/messages_attachments/{file_name}`. The vulnerability is caused due to the lack of file extension verification, allowing malicious files to be uploaded to the server and public availability of the uploaded file. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.3.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38529 affects Admidio, a widely used open-source user management system designed for organizational and group websites. This system provides essential functionality for managing user accounts, permissions, and communication features within web environments. The vulnerability specifically resides within the Message module, which handles communication features including file attachments. Security researchers have identified that this flaw allows for remote code execution through a carefully crafted file upload attack that bypasses normal security controls implemented by the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file extension verification mechanisms within the attachment handling functionality. When users upload files through the messaging system, the application fails to properly validate the file extensions or content types of uploaded files. This validation gap creates an opportunity for attackers to upload malicious PHP files that can be executed on the web server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because the uploaded files become publicly accessible through a predictable URL pattern that follows the format `{admidio_base_url}/adm_my_files/messages_attachments/{file_name}`, eliminating the need for additional authentication or privilege escalation to exploit the vulnerability. The flaw directly maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate file types and content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a complete remote code execution capability for attackers. Once a malicious PHP file is uploaded and made publicly accessible, threat actors can execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable Admidio instance resides. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized knowledge of the system's internal workings, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on Admidio for their user management needs. Organizations using vulnerable versions are at risk of having their systems compromised, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Admidio version 4.3.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing more robust file type validation, and monitoring for suspicious file uploads. The fix implemented in version 4.3.10 addresses the core issue by enforcing proper file extension verification and content type checking, preventing the upload of potentially malicious files. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, monitoring access logs for unusual patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of their Admidio installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file handling in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and T1059 for executing malicious code through compromised systems.