CVE-2023-27812
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-27812 is an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in bloofox v0.5.2 that allows attackers to delete any file on the server via the delete_file() function. This affects all users running bloofox v0.5.2, potentially leading to complete system compromise through deletion of critical files.
💻 Affected Systems
- bloofox
📦 What is this software?
Bloofoxcms by Bloofox
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through deletion of critical system files (e.g., /etc/passwd, web server configuration), leading to service disruption, data loss, and potential privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Deletion of web application files causing service disruption, data loss, and potential defacement or destruction of the bloofox installation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server sandboxing prevent deletion of critical system files outside the web root.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is in a core function and requires minimal technical skill to exploit. Public GitHub issue demonstrates the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown - bloofox appears to be abandoned software
Vendor Advisory: None available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Consider migrating to alternative software or implementing workarounds.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable or secure delete_file() function
allModify the bloofox source code to remove or properly secure the vulnerable delete_file() function with input validation and path restrictions.
# Locate delete_file() function in bloofox source code
# Add path validation: restrict to specific directories
# Add authentication/authorization checks
Implement strict file permissions
allSet restrictive file permissions on the web server to prevent the web user from deleting critical files outside the web root.
# Linux: chmod 755 /var/www/html
# Linux: chown root:www-data /etc /usr /var/log
# Windows: Use NTFS permissions to restrict IIS/IUSR account
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove bloofox from production and migrate to maintained alternative software
- Implement network segmentation and WAF rules to block suspicious file deletion requests
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check bloofox version in admin panel or by examining source files. Look for version 0.5.2 in configuration files.Check Version:
grep -r "version.*0.5.2" /path/to/bloofox/ or check admin panelVerify Fix Applied:
Test if delete_file() function still exists and if it properly validates file paths before deletion.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file deletion requests in web server logs
- 404 errors for previously existing critical files
- POST/GET requests to delete_file endpoint
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file paths with directory traversal sequences (../)
- Requests to delete non-application files
SIEM Query:
web.url="*delete_file*" OR web.url="*../*" AND (web.status=200 OR web.status=404)