CVE-2023-49964
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to perform Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) attacks in Hyland Alfresco Community Edition by inserting malicious content in folder.get.html.ftl files. Successful exploitation can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE), enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Organizations running Alfresco Community Edition versions through 7.2.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hyland Alfresco Community Edition
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining complete control over the Alfresco server, allowing data theft, lateral movement, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive documents, configuration files, and potential privilege escalation within the Alfresco environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls, potentially only affecting the Alfresco application layer.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to upload or modify template files. Public proof-of-concept code is available on GitHub.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 7.2.0
Vendor Advisory: https://www.alfresco.com/products/community/download
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Upgrade to Alfresco Community Edition version newer than 7.2.0. 2. Apply the latest security patches from Hyland. 3. Restart all Alfresco services after patching.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Template File Uploads
allImplement strict file upload controls to prevent unauthorized modification of .ftl template files
Network Segmentation
allIsolate Alfresco servers from critical infrastructure and implement strict firewall rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized template file modifications
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) with SSTI detection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Alfresco version via admin console or by examining installation files. Versions 7.2.0 and earlier are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check Alfresco version in admin interface or via alfresco-global.properties fileVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is newer than 7.2.0 and test template file upload restrictions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual template file modifications
- Suspicious FreeMarker template execution
- Unexpected system command execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Alfresco server
- Suspicious payloads in HTTP requests to template endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="alfresco" AND (event="template_modification" OR event="freemarker_execution")