CVE-2023-46253
📋 TL;DR
Squidex versions before 7.8.0 have an arbitrary file write vulnerability in the backup restore feature that allows authenticated attackers with squidex.admin.restore permission to write arbitrary files to the server filesystem, leading to remote code execution. This affects all Squidex deployments where users have backup restore privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Squidex
📦 What is this software?
Squidex by Squidex.io
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise with attacker gaining root/system-level access, data exfiltration, lateral movement, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Attacker with backup restore privileges achieves remote code execution, potentially compromising the entire Squidex instance and underlying server.
If Mitigated
Limited to authenticated users with specific administrative permissions; impact contained to Squidex application scope if proper isolation exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access with specific permission; detailed technical analysis available in advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 7.8.0 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/Squidex/squidex/security/advisories/GHSA-phqq-8g7v-3pg5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Squidex to version 7.8.0 or later. 2. Restart the Squidex service/application. 3. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove backup restore permissions
allTemporarily revoke squidex.admin.restore permission from all users until patching is complete.
# Review and modify user permissions in Squidex admin interface
Disable backup restore feature
allDisable or restrict access to backup restore functionality if not required.
# Configure application settings to disable backup restore
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit squidex.admin.restore permission to absolute minimum required users.
- Monitor and audit all backup restore activities and review logs for suspicious file operations.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Squidex version; if below 7.8.0, system is vulnerable if backup restore feature is enabled.Check Version:
Check Squidex admin interface or application logs for version information.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm Squidex version is 7.8.0 or higher and test backup restore functionality with safe test data.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual backup restore activities, unexpected file writes to server filesystem, abnormal process execution following restore operations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Squidex server following restore operations
SIEM Query:
Search for backup restore events followed by suspicious file system modifications or process executions.