External risk intelligence

Redsea Cloud eHR Arbitrary File Upload Leads to Remote Code Execution.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.3)

CVE-2024-14037

The vulnerability resides in a web application servlet endpoint designed for file uploads. As a cloud-based eHR (electronic Human Resources) system, these platforms are typically deployed as internet-facing web applications intended to be accessible to employees or users, making this specific endpoint publicly reachable by design in normal operations.

Unrestricted File Upload

Halo Surface Signal: 5 out of 5 — more likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability involves an arbitrary file upload flaw in Redsea Cloud eHR, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute malicious code remotely. The issue stems from a failure to validate uploaded file types, enabling attackers to disguise code as an image and gain server access through a specific endpoint.

  • Unauthenticated code execution via file upload.
  • Potentially impacts sensitive HR data and systems.
  • Confirm exposure and assess relevant systems.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can gain initial access to the system by targeting the `PtFjk.mob` servlet, which is exposed on the internet. By sending a specially crafted request that bypasses file type checks, an attacker can upload a malicious JavaServer Pages (JSP) file. This file, once executed by the web server due to its predictable location, allows the attacker to achieve remote code execution.

  • No authentication or privileges required.
  • Upload a malicious file to a specific endpoint.
  • Achieve remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system by uploading a malicious file. This is possible by exploiting a file upload flaw in the PtFjk.mob servlet.

  • System code execution.
  • Malicious file upload via a predictable path.
  • Remote code execution on the server.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Redsea Cloud eHR's arbitrary file upload vulnerability requires immediate attention from teams managing cloud-based HR systems. Initial steps should focus on identifying all instances of this technology within the environment, assessing their exposure and criticality, and locating the accountable application or infrastructure owner before planning remediation.

  • Identify accountable system owners.
  • Verify internet reachability and criticality.
  • Plan risk-based remediation efforts.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is Redsea Cloud eHR?

Redsea Cloud eHR is a cloud-based platform designed for managing electronic Human Resources tasks. These systems typically store sensitive employee information and administrative records, functioning as web applications that handle data inputs and file uploads to support HR workflows.

What is the vulnerability in CVE-2024-14037?

This flaw is an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, classified under CWE-434. It occurs when a system accepts files without properly verifying their actual content or extension. In this case, the application fails to distinguish between legitimate images and executable scripts, allowing an attacker to place malicious code on the server.

How does an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

An attacker targets the PtFjk.mob servlet by sending a multipart POST request. By disguising a malicious JSP file as a JPEG image, they bypass the application's inadequate validation. This does not require the attacker to have an account or special privileges, as the system incorrectly processes the file and saves it to a predictable directory where the web server can execute it.

Is my system at risk according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal identifies this as a high-priority concern because the vulnerable PtFjk.mob endpoint is part of a web-based eHR platform. Since these applications are generally intended to be internet-facing to serve users, this specific endpoint is often reachable from the public internet by design, increasing the likelihood that an attacker could locate and interact with it.

How should I respond to CVE-2024-14037?

Start by identifying all instances of Redsea Cloud eHR within your infrastructure to determine which systems are active. Once identified, work with the designated application owners to assess their specific network accessibility. Use this information to prioritize the systems that are most critical or exposed while coordinating the necessary security updates.

References