CVE-2004-1408 in Image Gallery Web Application
Summary
by MITRE
The addImage method for admin.class.php in Image Gallery Web Application 0.9.10 does not properly check filenames, which allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1408 resides within the Image Gallery Web Application version 0.9.10 where the addImage method in the admin.class.php file fails to adequately validate uploaded filenames. This flaw represents a classic insecure file upload vulnerability that enables remote attackers to bypass security controls and execute malicious code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that should have prevented the upload of files with potentially dangerous extensions or content.
This security weakness falls under the broader category of insecure file handling within web applications and aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that can be executed by the web server. The lack of proper filename validation creates an attack surface where malicious actors can upload backdoor scripts or web shells that provide persistent access to the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can result in complete system compromise. Attackers can upload malicious files that execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and underlying infrastructure. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access without requiring legitimate credentials or exploiting other system weaknesses.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The attack chain typically involves uploading a malicious file through the vulnerable upload functionality, then accessing the file through the web server to execute commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal reconnaissance and can be exploited automatically through automated scanning tools. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including strict file type validation, secure file storage practices, and proper access controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The remediation approach should focus on implementing robust input validation that checks file extensions, content types, and file signatures against a whitelist of allowed formats. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory, and proper file permissions should be enforced to prevent execution of uploaded content. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect web applications from unauthorized file uploads and execution.