CVE-2004-1466 in Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
The set_time_limit function in Gallery before 1.4.4_p2 deletes non-image files in a temporary directory every 30 seconds after they have been uploaded using save_photos.php, which allows remote attackers to upload and execute execute arbitrary scripts before they are deleted, if the temporary directory is under the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1466 represents a critical security flaw in the Gallery web application version 1.4.4_p2 and earlier. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary file management within the application's file upload process, creating a window of opportunity for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the set_time_limit function implementation within the Gallery framework, which governs how long scripts can run before timing out.
The technical flaw manifests through the automatic cleanup mechanism that operates every 30 seconds in the temporary directory. When users upload files through the save_photos.php script, these files are temporarily stored in a directory that is accessible via the web server. The system's set_time_limit function is designed to delete non-image files from this temporary storage, but it fails to properly distinguish between legitimate temporary files and potentially malicious uploads. This oversight creates a race condition where attackers can upload malicious scripts before the cleanup process removes them, effectively bypassing the intended security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly relates to the principle of least privilege and secure file handling practices. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious PHP scripts or other executable code to the temporary directory, knowing that these files will remain accessible for at least 30 seconds before deletion. Since the temporary directory is located under the web root, the uploaded files become immediately executable through web requests, providing attackers with a persistent means of code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which addresses the insecure upload of code, and represents a classic example of insecure temporary file handling in web applications.
The attack vector relies on the web application's failure to properly secure temporary file storage and implement adequate access controls. When the save_photos.php script processes uploads, it does not validate file types or implement proper isolation of temporary files from the web-accessible directory structure. This configuration violates fundamental security principles and creates a path for privilege escalation and code execution. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of compromised applications for initial access and persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through software updates and proper configuration hardening. Organizations should upgrade to Gallery version 1.4.4_p2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the temporary file handling issue. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that temporary directories are properly isolated from web-accessible paths and implement proper file type validation and access controls. The temporary directory should be configured with restrictive permissions and separated from the web root to prevent unauthorized execution of uploaded files. Implementing proper input validation and sanitization for file uploads, combined with regular security audits of temporary file handling mechanisms, will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Security monitoring should also be implemented to detect unauthorized file uploads and execution attempts in temporary directories.