External risk intelligence

CrushFTP Server Side Template Injection Vulnerability Leads to Server Compromise.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-4040

A server-side template injection vulnerability in CrushFTP allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read files, bypass authentication for administrative access, and execute code on the server. This impacts organizations by exposing systems to unauthorized control and data breaches, posing a significant business risk.

5Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Crushftp

10.0.0 to before 10.7.111.0.0 to before 11.1.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-4040

CrushFTP is a managed file transfer server designed specifically to be internet-facing to facilitate external file uploads and downloads. As a gateway-style service typically deployed at the edge to handle remote client connections, its primary function necessitates public-internet exposure by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in CrushFTP can allow unauthorized remote attackers to access sensitive files and execute code on the server. This flaw permits attackers to bypass security measures and gain administrative control, potentially leading to significant data breaches and operational disruption. The issue affects the core file transfer functionality, creating a pathway for extensive system compromise.

  • Vulnerable CrushFTP server component
  • Flaw allows unauthorized file access, authentication bypass, and code execution
  • Major business impact from data breaches and system control

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A server-side template injection vulnerability in CrushFTP allows remote attackers to execute code on the server. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication to gain administrative access and read files from the filesystem. The attack can lead to unauthorized remote code execution on the affected server.

  • External network access required.
  • Unauthenticated remote attacker.
  • Trigger template injection for control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability in CrushFTP allows unauthenticated remote attackers to gain administrative access and execute code on the server. The attackers can also read sensitive files from the filesystem, bypassing security measures. This threat requires immediate attention due to the potential for complete server compromise.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access: None
  • Business risk: Critical, urgent action required

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical vulnerability exists in CrushFTP that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to gain administrative access and execute code on the server. This could lead to unauthorized file access and complete server compromise. Organizations using affected versions should take immediate action to address this risk.

  • Identify all CrushFTP assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and verify.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is CrushFTP and what is it used for?

CrushFTP is a managed file transfer server used for facilitating external file uploads and downloads. It acts as a gateway, often deployed at the network edge, to handle connections from remote clients for file transfer operations.

What kind of weakness is CVE-2024-4040 in CrushFTP?

CVE-2024-4040 in CrushFTP is classified as a Server Side Template Injection (SSTI) vulnerability, specifically a CWE-94 flaw, which allows attackers to inject and execute code on the server. It also involves a sandbox escape (CWE-1336), enabling access to files outside the intended virtual file system.

How can an attacker exploit the CrushFTP vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by triggering a template injection. This does not require any prior authentication or special access, as the vulnerability allows for unauthenticated remote exploitation.

Who should be concerned about this CVE-2024-4040 threat?

Organizations using CrushFTP should be concerned, especially if their instances are internet-facing. Since CrushFTP is typically deployed at the network edge to handle external connections, it is very likely to be exposed to the internet, making it a target for external attackers.

What is the first step to address this CrushFTP vulnerability?

The immediate first step is to identify all instances of CrushFTP within your environment. Following this, assess their exposure and consider reducing access or isolating any affected systems, then apply vendor-provided updates.

References