CVE-2004-1969 in OpenBB
Summary
by MITRE
The avatar upload capability in Open Bulletin Board (OpenBB) 1.0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script by uploading files that include scripting code such as Javascript.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1969 represents a critical security flaw in Open Bulletin Board version 1.0.6 and earlier systems that directly impacts the platform's file upload functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the avatar upload feature, creating an avenue for malicious actors to compromise the system through crafted file uploads. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-434 which specifically addresses "Upload of Code" where systems allow users to upload files that contain executable code without proper security controls. The attack vector leverages the trust placed in user-uploaded content, exploiting the absence of proper file type verification and content inspection measures that should prevent the execution of potentially harmful scripts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions by uploading files containing malicious javascript code or other scripting languages that can be executed within the web application context. When users upload avatar images, the system fails to properly validate the file content, allowing attackers to embed executable code within what appears to be a legitimate image file. This flaw enables attackers to perform cross-site scripting attacks, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring special privileges or tools. According to ATT&CK framework, this maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1566.001 for "Social Engineering: Spearphishing Attachment", as attackers can craft malicious files that appear legitimate but contain embedded malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1969 extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates persistent security risks that can affect multiple users within the bulletin board environment. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access points, manipulate user sessions, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the platform's user-generated content system, as malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. Organizations using affected versions of OpenBB face significant risk of data breaches, user impersonation, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in widespread damage to the platform's reputation and user trust, as users may be exposed to malicious content without their knowledge. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper file upload validation controls, including MIME type checking, content inspection, and proper file extension filtering to prevent similar issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1969 should include immediate implementation of strict file validation mechanisms that reject any file containing executable code regardless of its extension or apparent content. Organizations should deploy comprehensive input sanitization processes that analyze file content rather than relying solely on file extensions or MIME types. The recommended approach involves implementing multiple layers of defense including server-side file type verification, content inspection for embedded scripts, and proper file storage practices that prevent direct execution of uploaded files. Security patches or upgrades to newer versions of OpenBB that address this vulnerability should be prioritized, and administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious upload attempts. Additionally, user education and monitoring systems should be established to detect unusual upload patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other security standards, particularly focusing on preventing insecure file upload scenarios that can lead to arbitrary code execution.