CVE-2024-55088 is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability found in the backend plugin module of GetSimple CMS CE version 3.3.19. SSRF vulnerabilities occur when an attacker can manipulate the server to send crafted requests to internal or external resources that the attacker would not normally have access to. In this case, the vulnerability requires low privilege authentication (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N), making it easier for an attacker with minimal access to exploit. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning an attacker could potentially access sensitive internal services, modify data, or disrupt service availability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), and the attack complexity is low (AC:L), indicating that exploitation does not require sophisticated conditions. The vulnerability is associated with CWE-352, which typically relates to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), suggesting that the SSRF may be triggered through a CSRF-like mechanism or insufficient request validation in the plugin module. Although no public exploits are currently known, the high CVSS score of 8.8 reflects the critical nature of the flaw and the potential for severe impact if exploited. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate defensive measures by administrators. Given that GetSimple CMS is a lightweight content management system used primarily by small to medium-sized organizations, the vulnerability could be leveraged to pivot into internal networks or exfiltrate sensitive information.

The potential impact of CVE-2024-55088 is significant for organizations using GetSimple CMS CE 3.3.19. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to perform unauthorized requests from the server, potentially accessing internal network resources, cloud metadata services, or other protected endpoints. This can lead to data leakage, unauthorized data modification, or disruption of services. The vulnerability compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive internal endpoints, integrity by enabling unauthorized changes, and availability by potentially causing denial of service conditions. Organizations relying on GetSimple CMS for web presence, especially those hosting sensitive or proprietary information, face increased risk of data breaches and operational disruption. Additionally, attackers could use the SSRF as a foothold to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network. The requirement for low privilege authentication limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts but does not eliminate the risk, as credential theft or phishing could provide the necessary access. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity score underscores the urgency of addressing the vulnerability.

1. Restrict backend access: Limit access to the GetSimple CMS backend plugin module to trusted IP addresses or VPN users to reduce the attack surface. 2. Implement strict authentication controls: Enforce strong authentication mechanisms and monitor for suspicious login attempts to prevent unauthorized access. 3. Network segmentation: Isolate the CMS server from critical internal systems to limit the impact of SSRF exploitation. 4. Monitor outbound requests: Use network monitoring tools to detect unusual or unauthorized outbound requests originating from the CMS server. 5. Apply patches promptly: Although no patches were listed at the time of publication, monitor vendor advisories for updates and apply them immediately once available. 6. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Configure WAF rules to detect and block SSRF attack patterns targeting the backend plugin module. 7. Conduct regular security audits: Review plugin code and configurations for vulnerabilities and ensure secure coding practices are followed. 8. Educate users: Train administrators and users on the risks of SSRF and the importance of safeguarding credentials to prevent low-privilege account compromise.