CVE-2023-4225 : What You Need to Know

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-4225, focusing on the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to the vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2023-4225

CVE-2023-4225 is a security vulnerability that affects Chamilo Learning Management System (LMS) version 1.11.24 and below. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with a learner role to exploit the unrestricted file upload feature in

/main/inc/ajax/exercise.ajax.php

and achieve remote code execution by uploading PHP files.

What is CVE-2023-4225?

The CVE-2023-4225 vulnerability in Chamilo LMS enables authenticated attackers to upload PHP files through the file upload functionality, leading to remote code execution. This poses a significant risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4225

The impact of CVE-2023-4225 is classified as HIGH, with a base score of 8.8 according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload a web shell to the server, resulting in unauthorized access and potential takeover of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4225

The technical details of CVE-2023-4225 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the unrestricted file upload feature in Chamilo LMS, specifically in the

/main/inc/ajax/exercise.ajax.php

endpoint, which can be exploited by authenticated attackers with a learner role.

Affected Systems and Versions

Chamilo LMS versions up to and including 1.11.24 are affected by CVE-2023-4225, making them susceptible to remote code execution through the unauthorized upload of PHP files.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-4225 involves leveraging the unrestricted file upload capability within Chamilo LMS to upload malicious PHP files, thereby gaining the ability to execute remote code and potentially compromise the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4225, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Chamilo LMS to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict file uploads within the system to prevent unauthorized execution of code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement access controls and permissions to limit file upload capabilities to authorized users only.

Patching and Updates

Chamilo has released patches to address CVE-2023-4225. Ensure that you apply the necessary updates from the official Chamilo repository to safeguard your system against this vulnerability.