CVE-2024-2604: File Manager App RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-2604 Overview

A critical unrestricted file upload vulnerability has been identified in SourceCodester File Manager App version 1.0. This vulnerability exists in the /endpoint/update-file.php file, where improper validation of the file parameter allows attackers to upload arbitrary files to the server. The flaw enables remote attackers to potentially execute malicious code on vulnerable systems without requiring authentication.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can upload malicious files including web shells to gain full control of the affected web server, leading to complete system compromise.

Affected Products

• SourceCodester File Manager App 1.0
• Remyandrade File Manager App 1.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-03-18 - CVE-2024-2604 published to NVD
• 2025-03-06 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-2604

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. The affected endpoint /endpoint/update-file.php fails to properly validate or restrict the types of files that can be uploaded through the file parameter. This lack of input validation creates a direct path for attackers to upload executable scripts such as PHP web shells.

The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely over the network without any authentication requirements and without user interaction. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could achieve complete compromise of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient file type validation in the update-file.php endpoint. The application fails to implement proper server-side checks to verify that uploaded files are of an expected and safe type. Without proper validation of file extensions, MIME types, or file content, the application blindly accepts and stores any file submitted through the vulnerable parameter.

Attack Vector

The attack can be initiated remotely over the network. An attacker can craft a malicious HTTP request to the /endpoint/update-file.php endpoint, manipulating the file parameter to upload a malicious file such as a PHP web shell. Once uploaded, the attacker can access the uploaded file directly to execute arbitrary commands on the server.

The exploit has been disclosed publicly, increasing the risk of exploitation in the wild. Technical details and proof-of-concept information are available through the GitHub PoC Repository and VulDB Entry #257182.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-2604

Indicators of Compromise

• Presence of unexpected PHP files or web shells in upload directories
• HTTP POST requests to /endpoint/update-file.php containing executable file extensions (.php, .phtml, .phar)
• Unusual files with mismatched extensions or content types in file storage locations
• Web server logs showing direct access to recently uploaded files followed by command execution patterns

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for suspicious POST requests to /endpoint/update-file.php
• Implement file integrity monitoring on directories where uploaded files are stored
• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing executable file extensions in upload parameters
• Use endpoint detection solutions to identify web shell characteristics and malicious file uploads

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all file upload endpoints in the application
• Configure alerts for any new executable files created in web-accessible directories
• Monitor for outbound connections from the web server that may indicate post-exploitation activity
• Implement regular security scans to detect unauthorized files or modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-2604

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the vulnerable /endpoint/update-file.php endpoint immediately
• Review and audit all files in upload directories for potential web shells or malicious content
• Implement network-level access controls to limit who can access the file upload functionality
• Consider taking the affected application offline until proper remediation can be implemented

Patch Information

No official vendor patch has been identified for this vulnerability at this time. Organizations using SourceCodester File Manager App 1.0 should implement the workarounds below and consider replacing the application with a more secure alternative if no patch becomes available.

For additional technical details, refer to the VulDB Advisory.

Workarounds

• Implement strict server-side file type validation that checks both file extensions and MIME types
• Configure the web server to prevent execution of uploaded files by storing them outside the web root or in directories with execution disabled
• Add authentication and authorization requirements to the file upload endpoint
• Implement file content validation to detect potentially malicious payloads regardless of extension

# Example Apache configuration to prevent script execution in upload directory
<Directory "/var/www/html/uploads">
    # Disable PHP execution
    php_admin_flag engine off
    
    # Deny execution of all script types
    <FilesMatch "\.(php|phtml|php3|php4|php5|pl|py|cgi)$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
    
    # Only allow specific safe file types
    <FilesMatch "\.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif|pdf|doc|docx)$">
        Require all granted
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>