CVE-2024-38909
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-38909 is an incorrect access control vulnerability in elFinder 2.1.64 that allows attackers to copy files with unauthorized extensions between server directories. This can lead to exposure of sensitive files, remote code execution, and other security breaches. Anyone using the vulnerable version of elFinder is affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Studio 42 elFinder
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through remote code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive files containing secrets, configuration data, or user information, potentially leading to data breaches.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permission controls and extension restrictions in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access to the elFinder interface but doesn't require full authentication. Public proof-of-concept code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.65 or later
Vendor Advisory: http://elfinder.com
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your current elFinder installation. 2. Download the latest version from the official repository. 3. Replace the vulnerable files with the patched version. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict File Extensions
allConfigure elFinder to only allow specific file extensions for copying operations
Modify elFinder configuration to set 'uploadAllow' and 'uploadDeny' parameters appropriately
Disable Copy Functionality
allTemporarily disable file copying features in elFinder
Set 'disabled' => array('copy') in elFinder configuration
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permission controls on server directories
- Deploy web application firewall rules to block suspicious file operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if elFinder version is 2.1.64 by examining the source code or configuration filesCheck Version:
grep -r '2\.1\.64' /path/to/elfinder/ or check elFinder configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the version has been updated to 2.1.65 or later and test file copying with unauthorized extensions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file copy operations with unexpected extensions
- Multiple failed copy attempts with different file types
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to elFinder copy endpoints with unusual file extensions
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="/elfinder/php/connector.php" OR uri="/elfinder/php/elFinder.class.php") AND (method="POST" OR method="PUT") AND (file_extension="php" OR file_extension="exe" OR file_extension="sh")