CVE-2024-9920 in lollms-webui
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2025
In version v12 of parisneo/lollms-webui, the 'Send file to AL' function allows uploading files with various extensions, including potentially dangerous ones like .py, .sh, .bat, and more. Attackers can exploit this by uploading files with malicious content and then using the '/open_file' API endpoint to execute these files. The vulnerability arises from the use of 'subprocess.Popen' to open files without proper validation, leading to potential remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified in parisneo/lollms-webui version v12 represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper file handling mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's 'Send file to AL' functionality which permits users to upload files with various extensions including potentially malicious ones such as .py, .sh, and .bat files. The vulnerability exists within the application's file processing pipeline where uploaded files are not adequately validated or sanitized before being processed. When users upload these files, the system stores them in a manner that allows subsequent execution through the '/open_file' API endpoint, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the insecure use of subprocess.Popen function within the application's file opening mechanism. This approach directly executes system commands without proper input validation or sanitization, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The subprocess.Popen function is designed to spawn new processes, but when used with untrusted user input, it becomes a critical security weakness. Attackers can craft malicious payloads in the form of executable scripts or binaries and upload them through the file upload interface. Once uploaded, these files can be executed through the '/open_file' endpoint, allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying system configurations, installing additional malicious software, or using the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, making it a critical concern for organizations that rely on this application. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for both local and remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-78 and CWE-22 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically addressing issues related to OS command injection and improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack pattern aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the system's own file execution capabilities to establish persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including strict file extension validation, implementing proper input sanitization, and restricting the execution of external commands through subprocess calls. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of the '/open_file' endpoint can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security updates and code reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the lack of proper security controls around file handling and process execution within the application's architecture. The absence of input validation and the direct use of subprocess.Popen without proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious file uploads can lead to arbitrary code execution. This represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security design where the principle of least privilege is not properly enforced, and user-provided input is not adequately filtered or validated before being processed by system-level functions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper security controls around file operations and process execution in web applications, particularly those that handle user-uploaded content and execute system commands based on that content.