CVE-2003-1552 in Uploader
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in uploader.php in Uploader 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in uploads/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2017
This vulnerability exists in the Uploader 1.1 web application's uploader.php script which fails to properly validate file extensions during the upload process. The flaw represents a classic unrestricted file upload vulnerability that enables remote attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or .exe. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and lack of proper file type checking mechanisms within the application's file upload functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload files containing malicious code without restriction on file extensions. When an attacker successfully uploads a file with an executable extension, they can subsequently access the uploaded file directly through a web request to the uploads/ directory. This creates a path traversal scenario where the uploaded malicious file becomes executable within the web server context, potentially allowing full remote code execution on the target system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to web applications as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to achieve remote code execution. The impact extends beyond simple file upload capabilities since successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated through simple web requests.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application. Organizations should implement strict file type validation by maintaining allowlists of permitted extensions rather than denylists, enforce proper file content validation through MIME type checking, and ensure uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file permissions for the uploads directory can significantly reduce the attack surface and mitigate potential exploitation of this vulnerability.