CVE-2025-23922 in iSpring Embedder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2025
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Harsh iSpring Embedder allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects iSpring Embedder: from n/a through 1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
This cross-site request forgery vulnerability in Harsh iSpring Embedder represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to upload web shells to affected servers. The vulnerability exists within the application's handling of file upload operations, where proper CSRF protection mechanisms are either absent or inadequately implemented. Attackers can craft malicious requests that appear to originate from authenticated users, thereby bypassing the application's security controls and gaining unauthorized access to the server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery conditions in web applications.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows adversaries to leverage the application's legitimate file upload functionality to execute arbitrary code on the target server. When users navigate to maliciously crafted web pages or click on infected links, the application processes requests without proper validation of the request source or authenticity. This creates an environment where attackers can upload malicious web shell files that persist on the server and provide remote command execution capabilities. The vulnerability affects all versions of iSpring Embedder from the initial release through version 1.0, indicating that this is a long-standing issue that has not been properly addressed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. Once a web shell is successfully uploaded, threat actors can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and maintain long-term access to the affected infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side web shell deployment, where adversaries establish persistence through malicious file uploads. The potential for data breach and system compromise makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on iSpring Embedder for content management or educational platform hosting.
Organizations utilizing this software should immediately implement mitigations including the deployment of anti-CSRF tokens in all file upload operations, proper validation of request origins, and implementation of robust authentication controls. The application should enforce strict file type validation and implement secure upload directories with appropriate access controls. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious file upload patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related systems, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of proper CSRF protection in web applications. The vulnerability also underscores the need for regular software updates and security patches, as this issue has persisted through multiple versions without proper resolution.