CVE-2023-53942

8.8

Leefish · File Thingie

File Thingie 2.5.7 contains an authenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability that allows remote attackers to achieve remote code execution via malicious PHP zip archives.

Executive summary

An authenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in File Thingie 2.5.7 that allows attackers to execute arbitrary system commands via malicious file uploads.

Vulnerability

The application is susceptible to an unrestricted file upload flaw (CWE-434). An authenticated attacker with access to the file management interface can upload and extract a crafted PHP zip archive, enabling the execution of arbitrary system commands through a custom PHP script.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability grants an attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code on the underlying web server. This level of access typically results in a total compromise of the application environment, potentially leading to unauthorized data exfiltration, system-wide persistence, and lateral movement within the network. Given the CVSS score of 8.8, this poses a high risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Update to the latest version of File Thingie where this vulnerability has been addressed. If an update is not immediately available, restrict access to the file management interface to trusted administrative users only.

Proactive Monitoring: Review web server access logs for requests directed at unusual file paths or suspicious PHP scripts. Monitor for unauthorized file creation events in the web root or upload directories.

Compensating Controls: Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter and block requests containing suspicious file uploads or attempts to access non-standard PHP execution paths. Ensure that the web server process runs with the least privileges necessary to limit the impact of potential command execution.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: Yes, a public exploit exists via the Exploit-DB entry 51436.

Analyst recommendation

The presence of a known remote code execution exploit for this version of File Thingie presents a critical security risk. Administrators should prioritize identifying instances of this software within their environment and applying the necessary updates or security configurations immediately to prevent unauthorized system access.

Sources

Originally found and disclosed by Maurice Fielenbach (grimlockx) - Hexastrike Cybersecurity UG (haftungsbeschränkt), per the CVE Program record.