CVE-2025-44071 in SeaCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2025
SeaCMS v13.3 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability via the component phomebak.php. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-44071 affects SeaCMS version 13.3 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw located within the phomebak.php component. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code or commands, making it one of the most severe security concerns in web applications. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the backup functionality of the content management system, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject and execute arbitrary code on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to gain full control over the affected system without requiring authentication, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the phomebak.php file, which processes backup-related operations. When the application processes requests containing malicious input through this component, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before using them in system commands or file operations. This lack of proper input validation creates a path for attackers to inject shell commands that are then executed by the web server with the privileges of the web application user. The vulnerability can be exploited through carefully crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the backup functionality to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-44071 extends beyond immediate system compromise, as it provides attackers with extensive capabilities to manipulate the affected environment. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as file manipulation, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration, while also allowing them to potentially establish persistence mechanisms within the compromised system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SeaCMS is a content management system used by various organizations, meaning that exploitation could affect multiple targets simultaneously. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers the execution of commands through remote services, and T1566, which addresses the delivery of malicious code through web applications. Organizations running affected versions of SeaCMS face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-44071 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected SeaCMS version to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-based restrictions to limit access to the phomebak.php component and other backup-related functionalities, while also deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include conducting comprehensive security assessments of the affected systems, monitoring network traffic for signs of exploitation attempts, and implementing proper input validation controls within the application code. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary backup functionality if it is not required for business operations, and establish regular security monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security practices to prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely-used web applications.