CVE-2024-44720
📋 TL;DR
SeaCMS v13.1 contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability in admin_safe.php that allows attackers to read sensitive files on the server. This affects all SeaCMS v13.1 installations with the vulnerable component accessible. Attackers can exploit this to access configuration files, credentials, or other sensitive data.
💻 Affected Systems
- SeaCMS
📦 What is this software?
Seacms by Seacms
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers read sensitive files like database credentials, configuration files, or source code, leading to full system compromise, data theft, or further exploitation.
Likely Case
Attackers read configuration files containing database credentials or other sensitive information, potentially enabling database access or lateral movement.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and network segmentation, impact is limited to file disclosure within the web server's accessible directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires access to the admin interface or ability to reach admin_safe.php. Public details available in GitHub issue.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v13.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/seacms-net/CMS/issues/22
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your SeaCMS installation and database. 2. Download the latest SeaCMS version from the official repository. 3. Replace the vulnerable admin_safe.php file with the patched version. 4. Verify no functionality is broken.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict access to admin_safe.php
allBlock or restrict access to the vulnerable admin_safe.php file using web server configuration or firewall rules.
# Apache: Add to .htaccess
<Files "admin_safe.php">
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</Files>
# Nginx: Add to server block
location ~ /admin_safe\.php$ {
deny all;
}
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can access the admin interface.
- Monitor file access logs for unusual read attempts to admin_safe.php or sensitive files.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if SeaCMS version is v13.1 and admin_safe.php exists in the admin directory. Attempt to access admin_safe.php with parameters that trigger file read.Check Version:
Check the SeaCMS version in the admin panel or look for version information in configuration files.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify SeaCMS version is v13.2 or later, or test that admin_safe.php no longer allows arbitrary file reads.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file read requests to admin_safe.php with file path parameters
- Access to sensitive files from web server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to admin_safe.php with file path parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND uri="*admin_safe.php*" AND (query="*file=*" OR query="*path=*")