CVE-2023-53971: WebTareas 2.4 contains a file upload vulnerability that allows authenticated users to upload malicious PHP fil

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-53971 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting webtareas. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

WebTareas 2.4 contains a file upload vulnerability that allows authenticated users to upload malicious PHP files through the chat photo upload functionality. Attackers can upload a PHP file with arbitrary code to the /files/Messages/ directory and execute it directly through the generated file path.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-434
Published	2025-12-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: webtareas project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-12-22 22:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

webtareas project webtareas DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy webtareas || rpm -q webtareas || webtareas --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison webtareas sudo apt install webtareas=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4> sudo apt-mark hold webtareas

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list webtareas sudo dnf downgrade webtareas-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4> sudo dnf versionlock add webtareas

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-53971?

webtareas: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-53971 being exploited?

CVE-2023-53971 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-53971 affect?

CVE-2023-53971 affects webtareas. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). WebTareas 2.4 contains a file upload vulnerability that allows authenticated users to upload malicious PHP files through the chat photo upload functionality. Attackers can upload a PHP file with arbitrary code to the /files/Messages/ direct

How urgent is CVE-2023-53971?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-53972 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE WebTareas 2.4 contains a SQL injection vulnerability in the webTareasSID cookie parameter that allows unauthen

References

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