CVE-2024-0414 Overview
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in DeShang DSCMS up to version 3.1.2 and 7.1. The vulnerability affects an unknown function of the file public/install.php. The manipulation leads to improper access controls, allowing attackers to potentially reinstall or manipulate the CMS installation process. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used, increasing the risk of active exploitation.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit improper access controls in the installation script to potentially compromise the entire DSCMS installation, leading to complete system takeover with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Csdeshang DSCMS versions up to 3.1.2
- Csdeshang DSCMS version 7.0
- Csdeshang DSCMS version 7.1
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-01-11 - CVE CVE-2024-0414 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-0414
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability represents a critical improper access control flaw (CWE-284) in the DeShang DSCMS content management system. The issue resides in the public/install.php file, which fails to implement proper authorization checks before allowing access to installation functionality.
In properly secured CMS applications, installation scripts should either be removed after initial setup or protected by authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. The DSCMS installation script appears to lack these safeguards, potentially allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive installation routines.
The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means attackers can target it remotely without requiring prior authentication or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing DSCMS deployments.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper access control implementation in the public/install.php script. The installation file does not adequately verify whether:
- The installation has already been completed
- The requesting user has appropriate administrative privileges
- The request originates from a legitimate source
This lack of access control validation allows any remote attacker to interact with the installation functionality, potentially resetting configurations, overwriting database connections, or gaining administrative access to the system.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:
- Identifying a DSCMS installation exposed to the internet
- Directly accessing the public/install.php endpoint
- Manipulating the installation process to gain unauthorized access or modify system configuration
The publicly exposed installation script combined with absent access controls creates a straightforward attack path. For additional technical details, see the VulDB entry or the technical write-up.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-0414
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP requests to /public/install.php from external IP addresses
- Database configuration changes or unexpected reinstallation activity
- New administrative accounts created without authorization
- Unusual file modifications in DSCMS installation directories
Detection Strategies
- Monitor web server access logs for requests targeting install.php or installation-related endpoints
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block unauthorized access to installation scripts
- Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to configuration files
- Use SentinelOne Singularity to detect post-exploitation activities following successful access control bypass
Monitoring Recommendations
- Set up alerts for any access attempts to public/install.php after initial deployment
- Review and audit administrative account creation events regularly
- Monitor for configuration file changes, particularly database connection settings
- Implement network-level monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns targeting CMS installations
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-0414
Immediate Actions Required
- Remove or rename the public/install.php file immediately after completing DSCMS installation
- Restrict access to installation scripts via web server configuration (deny from all)
- Implement IP-based access controls for administrative functions
- Review system logs for any evidence of exploitation attempts
- Audit administrative accounts for unauthorized additions
Patch Information
No official vendor patch information is currently available for this vulnerability. Organizations using affected versions of DSCMS should contact csdeshang directly for security updates or consider the workarounds listed below. Monitor the VulDB entry for updates on patch availability.
Workarounds
- Delete or rename the public/install.php file after installation is complete
- Add web server access restrictions to block external access to installation files
- Implement a .htaccess rule (Apache) or equivalent (Nginx) to deny all access to install.php
- Place the DSCMS installation behind a VPN or firewall to limit exposure
- Consider upgrading to a newer version if one becomes available with security fixes
# Configuration example - Apache .htaccess to block install.php access
# Add to .htaccess in the public directory
<Files "install.php">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</Files>
# Alternative: Rename the installation file
mv public/install.php public/install.php.disabled
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
