CVE-2005-0200 in TikiWiki
Summary
by MITRE
TikiWiki before 1.8.5 does not properly validate files that have been uploaded to the temp directory, which could allow remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP scripts, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-1386.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0200 affects TikiWiki versions prior to 1.8.5 and represents a critical security flaw in the web application's file upload validation mechanisms. This weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation processes within the temporary file handling system, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the application's trust in uploaded content. The vulnerability specifically targets the temp directory where uploaded files are stored before being processed or moved to their final destination, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to establish persistent execution points within the web server environment.
The technical implementation of this flaw lies in the application's failure to properly validate file extensions, content types, or file signatures when processing uploads to the temporary directory. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious PHP scripts with seemingly benign filenames that bypass basic validation checks, allowing these scripts to be stored in the temp directory where they may be executed by the web server. This vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2004-1386, indicating it represents a distinct attack vector that could be exploited even when the other vulnerability is mitigated. The flaw typically manifests when the application performs insufficient validation on uploaded files, failing to check for potentially dangerous file characteristics that could enable code execution.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using affected TikiWiki installations, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. Attackers can upload backdoor scripts, web shells, or other malicious payloads that persist in the temp directory and execute when accessed through the web server. The impact extends beyond simple file upload manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to server resources, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly violates security principles of least privilege and input validation, creating an attack surface that can be exploited without requiring authentication or specific user interaction beyond initiating the file upload process.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0200 primarily focus on implementing robust file validation mechanisms and restricting write permissions for temporary directories. Organizations should upgrade to TikiWiki version 1.8.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate uploaded files and prevent execution of malicious code from temporary storage locations. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file type validation that rejects executable scripts, configuring web server permissions to prevent execution of files in temporary directories, and employing content security policies that restrict file upload capabilities. From an industry standards perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which addresses insecure file upload handling, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The recommended approach combines both application-level fixes and infrastructure-level security controls to prevent unauthorized file execution and maintain the integrity of the web application environment.