CVE-2024-51499 MarkUs Arbitrary File Write leading up to remote code execution (student accounts)

High 7.1 Published 18 Nov 2024 Updated 18 Nov 2024

Authenticated students can write arbitrary files to the server, potentially achieving remote code execution by placing malicious scripts in application directories.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2024-51499?

CVE-2024-51499 is a high-severity vulnerability in MarkUsProject Markus, published on 18 Nov 2024. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

MarkUs is a web application for the submission and grading of student assignments. In versions prior to 2.4.8, an arbitrary file write vulnerability accessible via the update_files method of the SubmissionsController allows authenticated users (e.g. students) to write arbitrary files to any location on the web server MarkUs is running on (depending on the permissions of the underlying filesystem). e.g. This can lead to a delayed remote code execution in case an attacker is able to write a Ruby file into the config/initializers/ subfolder of the Ruby on Rails application. MarkUs v2.4.8 has addressed this issue. No known workarounds are available at the application level aside from upgrading.

Weakness: CWE-434

Which versions are affected by CVE-2024-51499?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Markusproject Markus.

How do I fix CVE-2024-51499?

No fix has been published for CVE-2024-51499 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Is CVE-2024-51499 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2024-51499 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-j95p-7936-f75w.