CVE-2024-40521 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2024
SeaCMS 12.9 has a remote code execution vulnerability. The vulnerability is due to the fact that although admin_template.php imposes certain restrictions on the edited file, attackers can still bypass the restrictions and write code in some way, allowing authenticated attackers to exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands and gain system privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40521 affects SeaCMS version 12.9 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that undermines the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the administrative template editing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. The flaw specifically resides in the admin_template.php component which, despite implementing certain file restriction measures, fails to provide comprehensive protection against bypass attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate security controls where the system attempts to restrict file operations but does not adequately validate or sanitize user inputs. Attackers can exploit the insufficient validation mechanisms to circumvent the established restrictions, potentially allowing them to inject malicious code into template files. This bypass mechanism typically involves crafting specific input sequences that either exploit parsing inconsistencies or leverage the system's trust in certain file operations. The vulnerability operates under CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security architecture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates severe consequences for organizations utilizing SeaCMS 12.9, as authenticated attackers can leverage this flaw to gain complete system control. The ability to execute arbitrary commands means that attackers can install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment. The authentication requirement, while providing some protection, does not prevent unauthorized access when credentials are compromised through phishing, credential reuse, or other attack vectors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts for privilege escalation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40521 should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by the SeaCMS vendor, as this represents a critical security flaw requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, enforce multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts, and conduct thorough access reviews to ensure least privilege principles are maintained. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to detect and block suspicious template editing requests can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, particularly focusing on file handling and input validation mechanisms that could present similar attack surfaces.