CVE-2024-39028 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/05/2024
An issue was discovered in SeaCMS <=12.9 which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via admin_ping.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39028 affects SeaCMS versions 12.9 and earlier, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that could enable attackers to gain full control over affected systems. This vulnerability specifically resides within the admin_ping.php component of the content management system, making it particularly dangerous as it targets administrative functionality that typically requires elevated privileges. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the ping functionality, which is commonly used for monitoring system health and connectivity. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that bypass security controls and execute arbitrary commands on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic remote code execution pattern where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed to the ping function. When an attacker sends specially crafted parameters to the admin_ping.php endpoint, the system processes these inputs without adequate security checks, allowing malicious code to be executed with the privileges of the web application user. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the administrative level, potentially granting attackers complete access to the CMS backend, database, and underlying server infrastructure. The flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate input sanitization and proper validation of all external data.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-39028 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, steal sensitive information, modify content, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability also increases the risk of lateral movement within networks where SeaCMS instances are deployed, as compromised systems can serve as entry points for broader attacks. Organizations running affected versions may face regulatory compliance issues, data breach notifications, and significant reputational damage if exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-39028 must prioritize immediate action to address the vulnerability through patching or upgrading to SeaCMS versions that have resolved this issue. Organizations should implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to administrative endpoints and monitor for suspicious traffic patterns targeting the affected admin_ping.php file. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and database query sanitization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059, which covers command and script injection techniques, making it essential for security teams to monitor for indicators of compromise related to command execution and file manipulation activities. Regular security assessments, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the system architecture.