CVE-2005-1868 in I-Man
Summary
by MITRE
I-Man 0.9, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a file attachment with a .php extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1868 affects I-Man version 0.9 and potentially earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw in web application file upload functionality. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of file attachments, specifically when users attempt to upload files with php extensions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload process, allowing malicious actors to bypass security measures and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic file upload attack pattern where the application fails to properly validate file extensions or content types during the upload process. When a user uploads a file with a .php extension, the system does not adequately verify whether the file is actually a legitimate php script or if it contains malicious code designed to exploit the server. This weakness creates an execution path where uploaded php files can be directly executed by the web server, bypassing normal security boundaries and potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using I-Man 0.9 or earlier versions, as it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or specific user interaction. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious php payloads that can perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or establishing persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential system compromise, data breach, and service disruption. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for file handling.
The attack vector for this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK framework's T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application pattern, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious php file with malicious code, uploading it through the vulnerable application interface, and then accessing the uploaded file to execute the payload. This attack method demonstrates the importance of implementing proper file validation, content type checking, and secure file storage practices.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of I-Man, implementing strict file extension validation, and configuring web servers to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security audits, and ensuring proper input validation at all application entry points. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure file upload mechanisms and demonstrates how seemingly simple functionality can become a significant security risk when proper validation and sanitization are not implemented.