CVE-2024-51788 in Novel Design Store Directory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2024
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Joshua Wolfe The Novel Design Store Directory allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects The Novel Design Store Directory: from n/a through 4.3.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-51788 represents a critical security flaw in the Novel Design Store Directory software that enables unauthorized file uploads with potentially malicious content. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload functionality, creating an exploitable pathway for attackers to bypass security controls. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the software from the initial release through version 4.3.0, indicating a persistent flaw that has not been adequately addressed in the software's development lifecycle. The dangerous nature of this vulnerability becomes evident when considering that attackers can upload web shells, which are malicious scripts designed to provide remote access and control over the compromised server. Such web shells typically allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, and establish persistent access to the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of unrestricted file upload flaws, which are commonly classified as CWE-434 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This weakness occurs when applications allow users to upload files without proper validation of file types, content, or destination paths. The flaw manifests in the software's directory handling mechanisms where file upload restrictions are either completely absent or insufficiently enforced. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading malicious files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the uploaded files can be placed in directories accessible by the web server, allowing immediate execution of the malicious payload. This creates a direct path for attackers to establish a foothold within the target environment and potentially escalate privileges or move laterally through the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and security posture of the affected web application. When attackers successfully upload web shells, they gain persistent access to the server and can leverage this access to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and establishment of command and control channels. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web shell deployment and privilege escalation through server-side code execution. Organizations using affected versions of The Novel Design Store Directory face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors. The potential for data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for businesses that rely on the software for their web presence and e-commerce operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51788 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of The Novel Design Store Directory that addresses the unrestricted file upload flaw. Organizations should also implement comprehensive file type validation, including MIME type checking and extension filtering, to prevent the upload of dangerous file types. Additional protective measures include restricting file upload directories to prevent execution of uploaded files, implementing proper file naming conventions to avoid predictable paths, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns of insecure file handling throughout the application, as this vulnerability may indicate broader architectural issues with input validation and access control mechanisms. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that legitimate file uploads continue to function properly while malicious uploads are properly blocked, following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.