CVE-2024-55342 in Piranha
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2024
A file upload functionality in Piranha CMS 11.1 allows authenticated remote attackers to upload a crafted PDF file to /manager/media. This PDF can contain malicious JavaScript code, which is executed when a victim user opens or interacts with the PDF in their web browser, leading to a XSS vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-55342 resides within Piranha CMS version 11.1, specifically targeting the file upload functionality accessible through the /manager/media endpoint. This represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit the content management system's media handling capabilities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of uploaded files, particularly those with pdf extensions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and introduce harmful content into the system's media repository.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the PDF file upload process where attackers can craft malicious PDF documents containing embedded JavaScript code. When legitimate users subsequently access or interact with these compromised PDF files through their web browsers, the embedded malicious scripts execute within the browser context, creating a cross-site scripting attack vector. This occurs because the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the content of uploaded PDF files, allowing potentially dangerous code to remain undetected and executable. The flaw operates at the intersection of improper input validation and insufficient output encoding, which are core elements of CWE-20 and CWE-79 respectively, establishing clear mappings to well-known security weaknesses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a persistent attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Attackers can use this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, they can effectively compromise the entire media management functionality. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 (Phishing) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) where the initial compromise leads to execution of malicious code in the victim's browser environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-55342 should prioritize immediate patching of the Piranha CMS to version 11.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the file upload validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that strictly verify file types, content signatures, and embedded code within uploaded documents. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, establishing file type whitelisting for media uploads, and conducting regular security scanning of uploaded content. Network segmentation and monitoring of the /manager/media endpoint can help detect anomalous upload activities, while user access controls should be strictly enforced to minimize the attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing automated tools that analyze PDF file structures for potentially malicious embedded content, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign file types can be weaponized to deliver cross-site scripting attacks through legitimate system functionality.