CVE-2004-2690 in newsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the Administration Panel for NewsPHP allows remote authenticated administrators to upload and execute arbitrary code instead of video files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2690 represents a critical security flaw in the NewsPHP administration panel that fundamentally undermines the system's integrity and security posture. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms within the administrative interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security controls. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated administrators, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid administrative credentials to exploit this weakness, but the consequences of successful exploitation are severe and far-reaching.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the file upload functionality of the NewsPHP administration panel where the system fails to properly validate file types and content. When administrators upload files through the interface, the application does not sufficiently verify the file extensions or examine the actual file contents to ensure they conform to expected media formats such as video files. This lack of proper validation allows attackers to upload malicious files with extensions that appear legitimate but contain executable code. The flaw essentially permits the upload of any file type regardless of the intended purpose, creating a dangerous environment where binary executables, scripts, or malicious code can be seamlessly integrated into the web application's file system.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access or data manipulation. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network, as the attacker can upload web shells or other malicious payloads that maintain persistence and allow continued access to the compromised system. This represents a significant risk to organizational security, particularly when considering that the vulnerability affects administrative interfaces that typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and falls under the broader category of insecure file handling practices that have been consistently identified as critical security risks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to upload malicious files and subsequently execute code on the target system. The attack chain typically involves obtaining administrative credentials through various means, accessing the vulnerable upload functionality, and then executing the uploaded malicious code to establish persistent access or perform additional malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of robust file validation mechanisms, including strict file type checking, content verification, and proper file extension filtering. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that examines both file headers and extensions to ensure uploaded files match expected formats. The system should also employ proper file naming conventions, store uploaded files outside the web root, and implement proper access controls and file permissions. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The most effective long-term solution involves implementing a comprehensive security patch management process that addresses such vulnerabilities promptly and maintains up-to-date security controls throughout the application lifecycle.