CVE-2025-52488 Scanner

The DNN (DotNetNuke) is a widely used open-source content management platform within the Microsoft ecosystem. It is employed by organizations for powering websites and managing web content effortlessly. This platform serves myriad sectors including education, enterprises, and small to medium businesses to create, manage, and deploy web applications. DotNetNuke provides users with a consistent and extensible set of features ensuring streamlined content management experiences. Many developers rely on its modular architecture, making it a significant tool in the web development landscape. Accessible and user-friendly, DotNetNuke enhances organizational capabilities while facilitating customization and integration.

The vulnerability discovered in DotNetNuke involves Information Disclosure specifically around NTLM hash exposure. It pertains to manipulating Unicode Path normalization, which allows the illicit exposure of sensitive information to an external SMB server. This vulnerability is critical as it could pave the way for unauthorized data access, leading to potential network security breaches. Versions affected range from 6.0.0 to before 10.0.1, effectively spreading the risk across numerous systems leveraging this platform. The identified loophole underscores a need for proactive patch management and vigilant monitoring of web CMS environments. Users must promptly update to mitigate potential exploitation of this weakness.

Technically, the exploit utilizes the FileUploader.ashx endpoint in DotNetNuke with a specially crafted POST request. This involves payload manipulation to include Unicode characters that cause an unintended interaction with external servers. By sending a malformed request with embedded UNC paths, attackers could trigger the server to initiate outbound SMB connections, disclosing NTLM hashes. The use of interactsh URL illustrates the simplicity with which external communication can be facilitated through this vulnerability. Parameters such as storageFolderID play a critical role in this exploit, acting as the focal manipulation points.

When exploited, this Information Disclosure vulnerability can result in severe repercussions, such as unauthorized access to sensitive data. Malicious actors could leverage the exposed NTLM hashes for lateral movement within networks, compromising further systems. It poses a risk to data integrity and confidentiality by facilitating man-in-the-middle attacks or credential-based access breaches. The subsequent data breach could lead to reputational damage, unauthorized information exposure, and significant financial implications for affected organizations. Preventing such exploitation is paramount to preserving network security and maintaining the trust of users and stakeholders.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/dnnsoftware/Dnn.Platform/security/advisories/GHSA-mgfv-2362-jq96
• https://slcyber.io/assetnote-security-research-center/abusing-windows-net-quirks-and-unicode-normalization-to-exploit-dnn-dotnetnuke/#hunting-variants