CVE-2024-45962 in October
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
October 3.6.30 allows an authenticated admin account to upload a PDF file containing malicious JavaScript into the target system. If the file is accessed through the website, it could lead to a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack or execute arbitrary code via a crafted JavaScript to the target.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45962 represents a critical security flaw in October CMS version 3.6.30 that enables authenticated administrative users to upload malicious PDF files containing embedded JavaScript code. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload functionality, allowing attackers with administrative privileges to bypass security controls and introduce malicious payloads into the target system. The flaw specifically affects the content management system's handling of PDF documents, where the application fails to properly sanitize JavaScript code embedded within PDF files during the upload process. This issue directly relates to CWE-434 which categorizes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and falls under the broader category of CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting flaws. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the elevated privileges of administrative accounts, eliminating the need for additional exploitation techniques to gain initial access to the system.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid administrative credentials, which then grants them access to upload functionality within the October CMS interface. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft a PDF file containing malicious JavaScript code that gets stored on the server. When the malicious file is accessed through the website interface, the embedded JavaScript executes within the context of the victim's browser session, creating a persistent XSS attack vector. The attack chain operates through the web application's file handling mechanisms where PDF documents are processed and rendered, allowing the JavaScript payload to execute in the victim's browser context. This execution model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks through malicious file downloads, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation scenario where administrative access is used to establish a persistent backdoor through file upload mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45962 extends beyond simple XSS exploitation, as the malicious JavaScript can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. This capability allows attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, session hijacking, credential theft, and further system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire content management system, potentially enabling attackers to modify website content, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to the target environment. The attack surface includes all users who interact with the website interface, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on web-based content management. Organizations using October CMS version 3.6.30 are at risk of experiencing significant security breaches that could result in regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's impact is compounded by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond the initial administrative access, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-45962 should focus on immediate patching of the October CMS application to version 3.6.31 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms that prevent the upload of executable code within PDF files, including the use of file type verification and content analysis tools. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit administrative privileges to only necessary personnel, reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities and anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Input sanitization and output encoding should be strengthened throughout the application to prevent XSS execution even if malicious files are uploaded. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application stack. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and regular credential rotation to minimize the impact of potential credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, emphasizing that administrative accounts must be protected with additional security controls beyond standard authentication mechanisms.