CVE-2005-0254 in BibORB
Summary
by MITRE
BibORB 1.3.2, and possibly earlier versions, does not properly enforce a restriction for uploading only PDF and PS files, which allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files that are presented to other users with PDF or PS icons, which may trick some users into downloading and executing those files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0254 affects BibORB version 1.3.2 and potentially earlier releases, representing a critical file upload restriction bypass that compromises the integrity of document handling systems. This flaw resides in the application's file validation mechanism, which fails to properly enforce content type restrictions during file uploads. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization processes that should have prevented unauthorized file types from being accepted and stored within the system. Attackers can exploit this weakness to upload malicious files with extensions that would normally be restricted to PDF or PostScript formats, thereby circumventing the intended security controls that protect users from potentially harmful content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper access control and file validation failure, which aligns with CWE-434, "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type." The flaw operates by allowing attackers to upload files with arbitrary extensions while the system continues to present them with PDF or PS icons in user interfaces. This deceptive presentation creates a social engineering attack vector where unsuspecting users may be tricked into downloading and executing files they believe to be safe documents. The system's failure to validate file content beyond simple extension checking creates a dangerous gap in security that attackers can exploit to deliver malicious payloads through what appears to be legitimate document sharing channels.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on BibORB for document management and sharing. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads to encompass potential execution of malicious code on user systems, which could lead to complete system compromise. Users who encounter what appears to be a PDF or PS document may unknowingly execute malware, creating a vector for lateral movement within networks and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability also undermines user trust in the document management system and could result in reputational damage if malicious file uploads go undetected for extended periods. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages user psychology and trust in document sharing systems to deliver payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust file validation mechanisms that go beyond simple extension checking. Organizations should deploy content-type validation that examines actual file headers and structures rather than relying solely on file extensions. The implementation of proper file upload restrictions should include MIME type validation, file signature checking, and the use of dedicated file validation libraries that can identify potentially malicious content. Additionally, the system should implement proper access controls that ensure uploaded files are not immediately presented to users with misleading file type indicators. Security measures should include regular file scanning for malware, implementation of web application firewalls, and user education about the risks of downloading files from untrusted sources. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002 for "Phishing with Spoofed Digital Certificates" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" through potential execution of malicious uploaded files.