CVE-2024-34833
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-34833 is an unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability in Sourcecodester Payroll Management System v1.0. Attackers can upload malicious PHP files through the image upload functionality, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands on the server. All deployments of this specific version are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Sourcecodester Payroll Management System
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise: attacker gains full control of the web server, can steal sensitive payroll data, install backdoors, pivot to other systems, and disrupt business operations.
Likely Case
Webshell deployment leading to data theft, credential harvesting, and potential ransomware deployment on the affected server.
If Mitigated
Attack blocked at web application firewall level; no file uploads reach vulnerable endpoint.
🎯 Exploit Status
Multiple public exploit scripts available. Attack requires only HTTP POST request with malicious file.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch exists. Recommended action is to remove/discontinue use of this software and migrate to a secure alternative.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock file uploads to the vulnerable endpoint and restrict PHP file execution in upload directories.
# Example ModSecurity rule: SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains save_settings" "id:1001,phase:1,deny,status:403,msg:'Blocking CVE-2024-34833 exploit attempt'"
File Upload Restriction
linuxConfigure web server to block PHP file execution in upload directories and validate file types.
# Apache: <Location /uploads> php_flag engine off </Location>
# Nginx: location ~* \.php$ { deny all; } in upload directory
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately take system offline and isolate from network
- Implement strict network segmentation and monitor all traffic to/from the system
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt to upload a PHP file to /save_settings endpoint. If successful, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check application version in admin panel or readme files. Look for 'Payroll Management System v1.0'.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify WAF rules block upload attempts and PHP files cannot execute in upload directories.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /save_settings with .php files
- File uploads with unusual extensions or MIME types
- Web server errors from PHP execution in upload directories
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from web server
- POST requests with file uploads to vulnerable endpoint
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="/save_settings" OR uri="*save_settings*") AND (method="POST" AND (file_extension=".php" OR content_type="application/x-php"))🔗 References
- https://github.com/ShellUnease/payroll-management-system-rce
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/179106/Payroll-Management-System-1.0-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- https://github.com/ShellUnease/payroll-management-system-rce
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/179106/Payroll-Management-System-1.0-Remote-Code-Execution.html
