Source: cve@mitre.org
Directory traversal vulnerability in system/admin/images.php in LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the delete parameter.
LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final is vulnerable to a critical directory traversal attack. This allows attackers to remotely delete arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data loss. Exploitation is straightforward, requiring only a crafted URL to trigger the vulnerability.
Step 1: Identify the Target: The attacker identifies a LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final installation.
Step 2: Craft the Payload: The attacker constructs a malicious URL containing the delete parameter with a path traversal payload (e.g., ../.../../.../../etc/passwd).
Step 3: Submit the Request: The attacker sends the crafted URL to the vulnerable system/admin/images.php script.
Step 4: Exploit Execution: The script processes the delete parameter without proper sanitization.
Step 5: File Deletion: The script attempts to delete the file specified by the manipulated path, potentially deleting critical system files or other sensitive data.
Step 6: Impact: The attacker achieves arbitrary file deletion, leading to potential system compromise, data loss, or denial of service.
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation in the system/admin/images.php script within LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final. Specifically, the script fails to sanitize the delete parameter, which is used to specify the file to be deleted. By injecting a sequence of ../ (dot-dot-slash) characters into the delete parameter, an attacker can navigate outside the intended directory and target any file accessible by the web server user. This constitutes a path traversal vulnerability, allowing for arbitrary file deletion. The root cause is the absence of checks to ensure the delete parameter refers to a file within the designated image directory, leading to a logic flaw in the file deletion process. There is no authentication bypass required, making it easily exploitable.
While no specific APT groups are directly linked to this CVE, the ease of exploitation makes it attractive to a wide range of attackers, including those seeking to establish a foothold or cause disruption. This vulnerability could be used as part of a larger attack chain. Not listed on CISA KEV due to its age and the likely low number of active deployments.
Monitor web server access logs for suspicious requests containing ../ sequences in the delete parameter of system/admin/images.php.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file deletions or modifications.
Analyze network traffic for unusual HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable script.
Review web server configuration for any misconfigurations that could exacerbate the impact of the vulnerability.
Upgrade to a patched version of LoveCMS or a completely different CMS. (Note: LoveCMS is likely End-of-Life, so migration is the best option).
Implement input validation to sanitize the delete parameter, ensuring it only accepts valid file paths within the intended image directory.
Restrict the permissions of the web server user to only the necessary directories and files.
Regularly back up the system to facilitate recovery in case of a successful attack.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.