Overview
CVE-2024-51392 is a significant security vulnerability that affects OpenKnowledgeMaps Headstart v7. This flaw allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage. OpenKnowledgeMaps Headstart, a widely used open-source software for visual exploration of scientific and research data, faces a serious threat, as this vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access and control over systems and sensitive information.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2024-51392
Severity: High (8.8 CVSS)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise, potential data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
OpenKnowledgeMaps Headstart | v7
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability resides in the getPDF.php component of the OpenKnowledgeMaps Headstart v7. Specifically, it arises from insufficient input validation of the URL parameter. An attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted request to the getPDF.php component, manipulating the URL parameter to escalate their privileges.
Conceptual Example Code
Below is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited using a HTTP request:
GET /getPDF.php?url=attacker-controlled-input HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.comIn this example, ‘attacker-controlled-input’ could be a specifically crafted script or command that exploits the insufficient input validation, leading to privilege escalation.
Impact of the Exploit
A successful exploit can lead to unauthorized escalation of privileges, allowing an attacker to potentially compromise the system or leak sensitive data. The impact is especially severe in scenarios where OpenKnowledgeMaps Headstart is used to handle confidential research data, potentially putting intellectual property or personal information at risk.
Recommended Mitigation
The recommended mitigation for this vulnerability is to apply the vendor patch as soon as it is available. In situations where immediate patching is not possible, implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as a temporary measure to detect and block exploit attempts. Updating security rules to filter or block requests to ‘getPDF.php’ with suspicious URL parameters may help mitigate this risk.
In conclusion, CVE-2024-51392 is a serious vulnerability that requires immediate attention. By taking the necessary steps to apply patches and additional security measures, system administrators can protect their systems and data from potential compromise.