Exploring AVideo Vulnerabilities: A Deep Dive into CVE-2024-31819

Introduction

The discovery of a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability within the AVideo platform, specifically in its WWBNIndex plugin, marks a significant event in the cybersecurity landscape. Designated as CVE-2024-31819, this vulnerability empowers unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code, threatening the security and integrity of the platform.

AVideo is an open-source video sharing platform with a vibrant community, boasting over 1,800 stars on GitHub and an estimated 2,000 instances exposed on the internet. This widespread adoption underscores the criticality of addressing this vulnerability promptly.

• Repository: AVideo on GitHub
• CVE ID: CVE-2024-31819
• Severity: Critical (RCE)
• Authentication: Not required

Vulnerability Analysis

Understanding CVE-2024-31819

CVE-2024-31819 is a critical Remote Code Execution vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the AVideo platform.

Key Characteristics:

• Location: WWBNIndex plugin (plugin/WWBNIndex/submitIndex.php)
• Attack Vector: Unauthenticated POST request
• Impact: Full server compromise
• Affected Component: systemRootPath parameter handling

This vulnerability lies within the WWBNIndex plugin — a crucial component for the platform’s functionality, affecting a broad spectrum of users due to the platform’s extensive adoption.

Proof of Concept (PoC)

Exploitation Steps

A Proof of Concept (PoC), utilizing the php_filter_chain_generator tool by Synacktiv, highlights the severity and potential for exploitation. The exploitation process involves the following steps:

Step 1: PHP Filter Chain Generation

Generate a PHP filter chain to execute arbitrary commands:

./php_filter_chain_generator.py --chain "<?php system('id'); ?>"

This command crafts a filter chain designed to execute the system('id'); command, demonstrating the vulnerability’s ability to compromise system integrity by revealing the system’s user ID.

Step 2: Crafting the POST Request

Embed the generated filter chain into a POST request targeting the vulnerable endpoint:

curl -X POST https://[target-domain]/plugin/WWBNIndex/submitIndex.php \
  -d 'systemRootPath=[Generated_PHP_Filter_Chain]&otherParams...'

The systemRootPath parameter is the vulnerable entry point that processes the malicious filter chain.

Step 3: Execution and Verification

Submitting the POST request triggers the system('id'); command, verifying the vulnerability and showcasing the exploit’s ease of execution. The response will contain the output of the executed command, confirming successful exploitation.

Exploitation Tools

For those interested in further technical exploration, several exploitation tools are available:

Metasploit Module

A Metasploit module provides an automated way to exploit the vulnerability within a framework familiar to security professionals:

• Path: modules/exploits/multi/http/avideo_wwbnindex_unauth_rce.rb
• Repository: rapid7/metasploit-framework

Python Exploit Script

A Python exploit script allows for manual exploitation and can be customized for specific scenarios or research purposes:

• Repository: Chocapikk/CVE-2024-31819
• Usage: Customizable for specific target environments and payloads

Timeline

Response Time

The AVideo development team demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, releasing a patch on the same day as the vulnerability discovery. This rapid response significantly reduced the window of exposure for affected systems.

Impact & Mitigation

Affected Versions

• AVideo versions: 12.4 through 14.2
• Component: WWBNIndex plugin
• Estimated exposed instances: ~2,000

Mitigation

Users are strongly advised to:

1. Update immediately to the latest version of AVideo (post-14.2 with patch)
2. Review any suspicious activity on affected systems
3. Monitor server logs for exploitation attempts
4. Apply security best practices, including network segmentation and access controls

Acknowledgements

This incident, while posing a significant challenge, also highlights the resilience and dedication of the AVideo community and its developers. The prompt and efficient handling of CVE-2024-31819 — from discovery to mitigation and public disclosure — reflects a strong commitment to security and user protection.

Special appreciation is extended to:

• The AVideo development team for their rapid response and patch release
• The cybersecurity community for its unwavering vigilance and collaboration

As we continue to safeguard the digital ecosystem, this event serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous monitoring, collaboration, and proactive defense strategies against evolving cyber threats.