CVE-2003-0950 in Peopletools
Summary
by MITRE
PeopleSoft PeopleTools 8.1x, 8.2x, and 8.4x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by uploading a file to the IClient Servlet, guessing the insufficiently random (system time) name of the directory used to store the file, and directly requesting that file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0950 represents a critical security flaw in PeopleSoft PeopleTools versions 8.1x, 8.2x, and 8.4x that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through a sophisticated attack vector involving file upload and directory traversal. This vulnerability stems from inadequate randomization in the naming convention used for temporary directories where uploaded files are stored, creating predictable file paths that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficiently random directory naming mechanism employed by the IClient Servlet component of PeopleSoft PeopleTools. When users upload files through the web interface, the system creates temporary directories using system time as the primary randomization factor, which provides attackers with a predictable pattern to guess the directory structure. This weakness directly maps to CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security-critical contexts, and specifically relates to CWE-22, which covers directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files to the server and subsequently access them directly through predictable paths, bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can upload malicious executables, scripts, or web shells to the server, then directly request these files through the predictable directory paths to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. This capability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the PeopleSoft environment. The vulnerability affects organizations running PeopleSoft PeopleTools across multiple versions, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts a wide range of enterprise applications and systems. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0950 should focus on addressing the core randomization issue and implementing comprehensive access controls. Organizations must ensure that temporary directory names are generated using cryptographically secure random number generators rather than system time alone, which directly addresses the CWE-330 weakness. The implementation of proper file upload validation, including content type checking, file extension filtering, and mandatory file size limits, helps prevent malicious file uploads. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block suspicious file upload attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for web server processes reduces the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary file upload functionality when possible and implementing regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other systems. The attack pattern described aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which covers command and script injection techniques.