CVE-2024-42599 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability identified in SeaCMS version 13.0. The root cause lies in the admin_files.php component, which is responsible for managing file edits within the CMS. Although this script imposes restrictions intended to prevent unauthorized file modifications, attackers who have authenticated access can bypass these controls. By exploiting this bypass, an attacker can inject arbitrary code into the system, which is then executed with the privileges of the web server or CMS process. This leads to the ability to execute arbitrary commands remotely and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code), indicating that the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before code execution. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and requiring privileges but no user interaction. No patches or mitigations have been officially released at the time of publication, and no known exploits are currently in the wild. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to any organization using SeaCMS 13.0, especially those with multiple authenticated users or weak access controls.

The impact of CVE-2024-42599 is substantial for organizations running SeaCMS 13.0. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, leading to full system compromise. This can result in unauthorized data access or theft, data manipulation, service disruption, and the potential for the compromised system to be used as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution and data alteration, and availability by enabling denial-of-service conditions or system takeover. Since the attack requires authentication, the risk is higher in environments with weak credential management or where attackers can obtain valid credentials via phishing or credential stuffing. The absence of patches increases exposure time, and organizations may face regulatory and reputational damage if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-42599, organizations should immediately restrict access to the SeaCMS admin interface to trusted users only and enforce strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). Conduct a thorough audit of user accounts and remove or disable any unnecessary or inactive accounts. Implement network-level access controls, such as IP whitelisting or VPN requirements, to limit administrative access. Monitor logs for unusual file modification activities or command execution patterns within the CMS environment. Until an official patch is released, consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block attempts to exploit file editing functionalities. Additionally, isolate the CMS server from critical infrastructure to reduce lateral movement risk. Regularly back up CMS data and system configurations to enable recovery in case of compromise. Stay updated with vendor advisories for patch availability and apply updates promptly once released.