Description
An unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware version 15.1 and earlier via the ELFinder component's default connector (connector.minimal.php), which allows remote attackers to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts in the context of the web server. The vulnerable component does not enforce file type validation, allowing attackers to craft a POST request to upload executable PHP payloads through the ELFinder interface exposed at /vendor_extra/elfinder/.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-21425
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-21425 is an unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware version 15.1 and earlier. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts via the ELFinder component's default connector (connector.minimal.php). The lack of file type validation in the ELFinder interface exposed at /vendor_extra/elfinder/ enables attackers to craft a POST request to upload executable PHP payloads.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.3 (CVSS:4.0)
- Base Score Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability due to the following factors:
- Attack Vector (AV:N): Network-based attack, which can be exploited remotely.
- Attack Complexity (AC:L): Low complexity, meaning the attack can be easily executed.
- Privileges Required (PR:N): No privileges are required, making it an unauthenticated attack.
- User Interaction (UI:N): No user interaction is needed for the attack to succeed.
- Confidentiality (VC:H), Integrity (VI:H), and Availability (VA:H): High impact on all three aspects, indicating severe consequences if exploited.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Unauthenticated File Upload: Attackers can upload malicious PHP scripts without needing any authentication.
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): Once the malicious script is uploaded, it can be executed in the context of the web server, leading to full control over the server.
Exploitation Methods:
- Crafting a POST Request: Attackers can craft a POST request to the ELFinder interface to upload a PHP payload.
- Executing the Payload: The uploaded PHP script can be executed by accessing it via a web browser or another HTTP client.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware version 15.1 and earlier.
Affected Systems:
- Any server running the vulnerable versions of Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware.
- Systems with the ELFinder component exposed at
/vendor_extra/elfinder/.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Patching: Upgrade to Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware version 15.2 or later, which includes the security fix.
- Disable ELFinder: If upgrading is not immediately possible, disable the ELFinder component to prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Mitigations:
- Regular Updates: Ensure that all software components are regularly updated to the latest versions.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms for all web interfaces.
- File Upload Validation: Enforce robust file type validation and sanitization for all file uploads.
- Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Deploy WAFs to monitor and block suspicious activities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware within the European Union. Given the critical nature of the vulnerability, it could lead to widespread data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential disruption of services. The impact could be particularly severe for organizations handling sensitive data, such as government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Component: ELFinder (connector.minimal.php)
- Exposed Path:
/vendor_extra/elfinder/ - Vulnerable Operation: Unauthenticated file upload via POST request
Exploitation Steps:
- Identify the Target: Locate the ELFinder interface exposed at
/vendor_extra/elfinder/. - Craft the Payload: Create a malicious PHP script.
- Upload the Payload: Send a POST request to the ELFinder interface with the payload.
- Execute the Payload: Access the uploaded script via the web server to execute the malicious code.
Detection and Monitoring:
- Log Analysis: Monitor web server logs for unusual POST requests to the ELFinder interface.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to detect and alert on suspicious activities related to file uploads.
- File Integrity Monitoring: Use file integrity monitoring tools to detect unauthorized changes to web server files.
References:
By following these mitigation strategies and maintaining vigilant monitoring, organizations can significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.