CVE-2020-23934
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-23934 is an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in RiteCMS 2.2.1 that allows authenticated users to upload PHP web shells via the Filemanager section, leading to system command execution. This affects any RiteCMS 2.2.1 installation with authenticated user accounts. Attackers with valid credentials can gain complete control of the affected system.
💻 Affected Systems
- RiteCMS
📦 What is this software?
Ritecms by Ritecms
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal data, install malware, pivot to other systems, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers upload web shells to gain shell access, deface websites, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the system for further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and file upload restrictions, impact is limited to unauthorized file uploads without command execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires valid credentials; multiple public exploits exist demonstrating web shell upload and command execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.2.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/RiteCMS/RiteCMS
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup current installation. 2. Download latest version from official repository. 3. Replace vulnerable files with patched version. 4. Verify file upload restrictions are properly implemented.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict File Uploads
allDisable or restrict file upload functionality in Filemanager to prevent PHP file uploads.
Modify Filemanager configuration to block .php, .phtml, .php5, .php7 file extensions
Implement Web Application Firewall
allDeploy WAF rules to block malicious file uploads and command execution attempts.
Configure WAF to block requests containing 'system', 'exec', 'shell_exec', 'passthru' in POST data and block .php file uploads
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and limit authenticated users to trusted personnel only
- Monitor file upload directories for suspicious PHP files and implement real-time file integrity monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if running RiteCMS version 2.2.1 and test authenticated file upload of PHP files via Filemanager interface.Check Version:
Check RiteCMS version in admin panel or examine version.php file in installation directory.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, attempt to upload PHP file via Filemanager - should be blocked or fail to execute.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- File upload logs showing PHP file uploads via Filemanager
- Web server logs with POST requests to upload endpoints containing PHP files
- System logs showing command execution from web process
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests with file uploads to Filemanager endpoints
- Outbound connections from web server to command and control servers
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri_path="/filemanager/upload" OR uri_path="/admin/filemanager") AND (file_extension=".php" OR file_extension=".phtml")