CVE-2004-2262 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
ImageManager in e107 before 0.617 does not properly check the types of uploaded files, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a PHP file via the upload parameter to images.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2262 represents a critical security flaw in the e107 content management system version 0.617 and earlier. This issue resides within the ImageManager component that handles file uploads through the images.php script, creating a dangerous pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file type checking mechanisms that fail to properly verify the nature of uploaded files before processing them within the system environment.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves a lack of proper file type validation in the upload functionality. When users submit files through the upload parameter to images.php, the system does not sufficiently examine the file extensions, MIME types, or actual file content to determine whether the uploaded file is safe for execution. This absence of proper sanitization allows attackers to upload malicious PHP files that can be executed within the web server context, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the ImageManager module, which is designed to handle image uploads but fails to distinguish between legitimate image files and potentially harmful executable scripts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected versions of e107. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to upload backdoor scripts, web shells, or other malicious code that can then be executed by the web server. This capability enables attackers to gain full control over the compromised system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution as attackers can use the uploaded files to establish persistent access, install additional malware, or use the compromised server as a launch point for attacks against other systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling that violates fundamental security principles. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003, "Web Shell," as the uploaded PHP files can function as persistent backdoors. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1059.007, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," in cases where attackers might use the compromised system to execute additional malicious payloads. Organizations running vulnerable e107 installations face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss, as the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise through relatively simple exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive file validation mechanisms that check both file extensions and actual file content against allowed type lists. System administrators should immediately upgrade to e107 version 0.617 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include restricting file upload directories, implementing proper file permissions, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload attempts. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application, while also implementing monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized file uploads or suspicious execution patterns in the system logs.