CVE-2002-1082 in ezContents
Summary
by MITRE
The Image Upload capability for ezContents 1.40 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause ezContents to perform operations on local files as if they were uploaded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1082 resides within the ezContents content management system version 1.40 and earlier, specifically targeting its image upload functionality. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate the system's file handling mechanisms, effectively allowing unauthorized operations on local files through what should be a simple upload process. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper file handling within the image upload component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust in uploaded content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the system's failure to properly sanitize or validate file paths and names during the upload process. When users attempt to upload images, the ezContents application does not adequately verify the integrity of the uploaded files or their intended destinations, allowing attackers to craft malicious upload requests that can manipulate the system's file operations. This creates a scenario where an attacker can specify arbitrary file paths or manipulate the upload process to cause the application to perform operations on existing local files rather than simply storing new uploads. The flaw essentially allows for a form of local file inclusion or manipulation attack, where the system's own file handling logic becomes a vector for unauthorized file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform unauthorized file operations that could compromise the entire system. An attacker could potentially read sensitive files, overwrite critical system components, or even execute arbitrary code through manipulation of the file system. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as it allows for unauthorized access to local resources that should remain protected. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through file system manipulation. The attack vector specifically relates to T1078, which covers valid accounts and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the vulnerability could potentially enable attackers to execute commands through manipulated file operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, proper file path sanitization, and restricting upload capabilities to authenticated users only, while also considering the broader implications of file system access controls and privilege management within their content management systems.