Invision Community through 4.7.16 allows remote code execution via the applications/core/modules/admin/editor/toolbar.php IPS\core\modules\admin\editor\_toolbar::addPlugin() method. This method handles uploaded ZIP files that are extracted into the applications/core/interface/ckeditor/ckeditor/plugins/ directory without properly verifying their content. This can be exploited by admin users (with the toolbar_manage permission) to write arbitrary PHP files into that directory, leading to execution of arbitrary PHP code in the context of the web server user.
The CVSS score of 7.2 indicates that this is a high-severity vulnerability, signifying a significant risk to organizations. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over the affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Without immediate remediation, the risk to organizations includes potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of services, which could have severe implications for operational integrity and customer trust.
Currently, there is no known exploit or public proof of concept available for this vulnerability. However, the exploitability is reported as high, and organizations should take proactive measures to secure their environments.
In light of these factors, organizations using Invision Community should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and implement necessary security measures promptly.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows remote code execution through a flaw in the addPlugin() method of the toolbar.php file. The lack of content verification for uploaded ZIP files enables admin users to write arbitrary PHP files into the system, leading to the execution of PHP code in the context of the web server user.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.2, classified as high severity, indicating that it poses a significant risk. The attack vector is network-based, and it requires high privileges, specifically the toolbar_manage permission.
Published on June 7, 2024, this vulnerability is cataloged under CWE-345, representing a security weakness related to the improper handling of file uploads.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of uploaded ZIP files in the addPlugin() method. When an admin user uploads a ZIP file, the application extracts its contents without verifying whether the files it contains are safe or legitimate.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker could exploit this vulnerability remotely. The complexity of the attack is low, as it requires high privileges but no user interaction. Once a malicious PHP file is written to the server, it can be executed with the privileges of the web server user.
The impact of this vulnerability includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks, as attackers could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulate files, and disrupt service availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations. Given the potential for remote code execution, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches and loss of sensitive information.
The blast radius of this vulnerability is substantial, as it can affect any organization using the vulnerable versions of Invision Community. Organizations should consider the implications of unauthorized access to their systems, which could result in reputational damage and legal repercussions.
Based on the CVSS score of 7.2, organizations should assess the urgency of addressing this vulnerability. Immediate remediation is necessary to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying any available patches or updates from Invision Community to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting admin user permissions and monitoring uploaded files more closely.
Additionally, organizations may benefit from conducting a thorough security assessment, which includes application security assessment to identify and resolve similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for unusual file uploads and execution patterns, as well as any changes to the applications/core/interface/ckeditor/ckeditor/plugins/ directory. Look for behavioral anomalies that could indicate an exploitation attempt.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability underscores the importance of secure file upload mechanisms in web applications. Organizations should learn from this incident to enhance their security practices, particularly around file handling.
This case highlights the need for continuous security testing, and organizations can gain insights by engaging in penetration testing to uncover similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Furthermore, organizations should consider implementing robust input validation mechanisms and ensuring that file uploads are handled securely. This will help to mitigate risks associated with remote code execution vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, as the threat landscape evolves, organizations must prioritize security assessments and remain vigilant against emerging vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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