CVE-2023-2059 Scanner

DedeCMS is a widely used content management system aimed at simplifying the creation and management of websites for users across various industries. It is favored by developers and content managers for its flexibility, customizability, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses. With features supporting multilingual capabilities, DedeCMS serves a global user base and is often used for personal blogs, corporate sites, e-commerce platforms, and news websites. Its open-source nature allows developers to modify and enhance functionality, adapting to the specific needs of users. As an SEO-friendly CMS, DedeCMS helps improve website visibility on search engines, attracting users seeking efficient and effective web management solutions. Regular updates and supportive community forums contribute to its robust ecosystem, continuously improving the CMS to meet ever-evolving web development standards.

The directory traversal vulnerability detected in DedeCMS allows attackers to manipulate the $activepath parameter, potentially accessing unauthorized directories and files on the server. Exploited through specific crafted directory reference inputs, this vulnerability could be used to bypass existing security controls, gaining access to sensitive files or configurations. By navigating the directory structure inappropriately, an attacker can read files they are not normally permitted to access, which might contain sensitive information. Protecting against this issue is critical, as it could lead to the breach of confidentiality of the information hosted on DedeCMS-based websites. Persistent exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to deeply analyze the directory and structure of the system, potentially uncovering other existing vulnerabilities. Users and administrators must be aware of such threats and how they manifest in their content management systems to take necessary precautions against possible exploitation.

The technical breakdown of the DedeCMS vulnerability involves exploiting a weakness in the handling of file paths. The $activepath parameter, used in endpoint selections like select_templets.php, can be couriered with traversal sequences allowing a malicious actor to ascend the directory structure. The vulnerability permits unauthorized access to directories and file contents located outside the intended web application root directory using relative path references. Such exploitation is performed via unsanitized user input that isn't correctly validated or restricted, leading to exposure of sensitive assets. Attackers leverage knowledge about file locations to specify and retrieve unauthorized content, creating security concerns for data integrity and privacy. Effective input validation and directory access controls are essential in preventing such vulnerabilities from being exploited. Constant vigilance and adaptation of secure coding practices play a crucial role in mitigating these types of vulnerabilities.

The exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability in DedeCMS can lead to an attacker accessing sensitive files on the web server, which may contain critical configuration data, user credentials, or other private information. By obtaining these files, attackers can compromise the privacy and integrity of information stored within the CMS, leading to potential data breaches and further exploitation. Additionally, access to configuration files can provide attackers with deeper insights into the system's architecture, facilitating more targeted attacks through other vulnerabilities. The unlawful access could result in service disruptions or the unauthorized manipulation of website content and settings. Ultimately, the unmitigated exploitation of this vulnerability poses significant security risks, necessitating urgent patching and hardening of the platform to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/ATZXC-RedTeam/cve/blob/main/dedecms.md
• https://vuldb.com/?id.225944