CVE-2004-1928 in Tikiwiki
Summary
by MITRE
The image upload feature in Tiki CMS/Groupware (TikiWiki) 1.8.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to upload and possibly execute arbitrary files via the img/wiki_up URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1928 represents a critical security flaw in Tiki CMS/Groupware version 1.8.1 and earlier releases, specifically targeting the image upload functionality within the system. This issue resides in the img/wiki_up URL endpoint which handles file uploads for wiki images, creating an avenue for remote attackers to potentially execute malicious code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and file type restrictions within the upload mechanism, allowing unauthorized users to bypass security controls that should prevent execution of malicious files. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper file validation that has been consistently documented as a security risk across numerous web applications and content management systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of weak access controls and inadequate file validation processes within the TikiWiki platform. Attackers can leverage this flaw by uploading malicious files with extensions that are not properly filtered or rejected by the system's upload handler. The img/wiki_up endpoint fails to properly validate file types, file contents, or execute proper sanitization routines that would normally prevent the execution of potentially harmful code. This weakness creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks where attackers can upload files such as php scripts, shell scripts, or other executable content that can be triggered through web requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes the improper restriction of uploads of executable code, and represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and input sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1928 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious content, they can potentially execute arbitrary commands on the server, gain persistent access, and establish backdoors for continued exploitation. This vulnerability can result in data breaches, system infiltration, and complete loss of control over the affected TikiWiki installation. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where TikiWiki might be used for internal collaboration, document management, or business-critical operations. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper security controls in web applications and highlights how seemingly simple features like file uploads can become attack vectors when not properly secured. Organizations using vulnerable versions of TikiWiki face significant risk of unauthorized access, data loss, and potential regulatory violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1928 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and comprehensive security hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to TikiWiki versions that have addressed this vulnerability through proper file validation and access control implementations. Organizations should implement strict file type validation, reject executable file extensions, and ensure that uploaded files are stored in non-executable directories. Security controls should include content type checking, file signature validation, and proper access restrictions on upload directories. Additional measures include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring upload activities, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, particularly focusing on secure file upload implementations and input validation controls. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components.