CVE-2020-18178 : Security Advisory and Response

HongCMS v4.0.0 is susceptible to Path Traversal, enabling remote attackers to access, modify, and delete arbitrary files through a specially crafted POST request.

Understanding CVE-2020-18178

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in HongCMS v4.0.0 that allows unauthorized access to files on the server.

What is CVE-2020-18178?

Path Traversal in HongCMS v4.0.0 permits malicious actors to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to sensitive files.

The Impact of CVE-2020-18178

The vulnerability enables attackers to view, edit, and delete files, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized modifications, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-18178

HongCMS v4.0.0 is affected by a path traversal vulnerability that can be exploited remotely.

Vulnerability Description

Attackers can exploit the flaw by sending a crafted POST request to "/hcms/admin/index.php/language/ajax" to access and manipulate files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: HongCMS
Version: 4.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited through a specially crafted POST request to the mentioned component, allowing unauthorized file access.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-18178.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches or updates provided by the vendor.
Implement strict input validation to prevent path traversal attacks.
Monitor and analyze server logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

HongCMS users should apply the latest patches or updates released by the vendor to fix the path traversal vulnerability.