CVE-2024-58295
📋 TL;DR
ElkArte Forum 1.1.9 contains an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability where administrators can upload malicious PHP files through theme installation. Attackers with admin credentials can upload ZIP archives containing PHP files with system commands, which execute when accessed. This affects all ElkArte Forum 1.1.9 installations with default configurations.
💻 Affected Systems
- ElkArte Forum
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal data, install backdoors, pivot to other systems, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers with stolen or compromised admin credentials upload web shells to gain control over the forum server and potentially the underlying system.
If Mitigated
Limited to admin account compromise with no ability to execute arbitrary code if proper file upload restrictions are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires administrator credentials but is straightforward with publicly available proof-of-concept code.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Upgrade to a newer version if released or implement workarounds.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable theme upload functionality
allRemove or restrict the ability to upload themes through admin panel
Modify admin panel settings to disable theme uploads
Remove theme upload form elements from admin interface
Restrict PHP file execution in theme directories
linuxConfigure web server to prevent PHP execution in theme directories
For Apache: Add 'php_flag engine off' to .htaccess in theme directories
For Nginx: Add 'location ~ \.php$ { deny all; }' for theme paths
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls for admin accounts with MFA
- Monitor theme directory for unauthorized PHP file uploads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if running ElkArte Forum version 1.1.9 and verify theme upload functionality exists in admin panelCheck Version:
Check ElkArte version in admin panel or examine forum source filesVerify Fix Applied:
Test if PHP files uploaded to theme directories cannot be executed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual theme uploads by admin accounts
- PHP file creation in theme directories
- Access to PHP files in theme paths
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to theme upload endpoints with ZIP files
- Requests to unusual PHP files in theme directories
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="/index.php?action=admin;area=theme;sa=install" OR uri MATCH "*\.php" AND uri CONTAINS "themes")