CVE-2023-49964 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability has been identified in Hyland Alfresco Community Edition that could allow an attacker to execute remote code by exploiting a Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) issue.

Understanding CVE-2023-49964

Hyland Alfresco Community Edition through 7.2.0 is affected by a flaw that enables attackers to perform SSTI attacks and potentially achieve RCE by inserting malicious content in specific files.

What is CVE-2023-49964?

CVE-2023-49964 is a security vulnerability in Hyland Alfresco Community Edition that allows malicious actors to execute code remotely through SSTI attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49964

The vulnerability can enable threat actors to bypass restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems, leading to potential data breaches and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49964

The following technical details outline the specifics of the CVE-2023-49964 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

An incomplete fix for a previous CVE, CVE-2020-12873, led to the existence of this vulnerability. Attackers can leverage FreeMarker objects to execute arbitrary code by inserting malicious content in specific files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Hyland Alfresco Community Edition versions up to 7.2.0 are affected by this vulnerability, putting systems at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By inserting malicious content in the folder.get.html.ftl file, threat actors can exploit this vulnerability to initiate SSTI attacks and potentially achieve RCE.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2023-49964 requires immediate action to mitigate the risks posed by this security flaw.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should immediately update Hyland Alfresco Community Edition to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent code injection vulnerabilities in applications.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Hyland for their Alfresco Community Edition.
Promptly apply relevant patches to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.