CVE-2005-1957 in File Upload Manager
Summary
by MITRE
mtnpeak.net File Upload Manager does not properly check user authentication for certain actions, which allows remote attackers to provide a modified base64-encoded file parameter and (1) read arbitrary files via the "view" action or (2) delete arbitrary files via the del action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1957 affects the mtnpeak.net File Upload Manager application, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the system's file access controls. This issue stems from inadequate validation of user credentials when processing specific file operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote attackers to manipulate the application's functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of base64-encoded file parameters, which are processed through two distinct actions: the "view" operation for file reading and the "del" operation for file deletion. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture where proper authentication checks are bypassed for these critical file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms, particularly when processing base64-encoded parameters that are typically used for file transmission. Attackers can craft malicious requests that modify the file parameter to reference arbitrary system paths, effectively circumventing the normal authentication flow. This weakness aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and demonstrates how inadequate access control checks can lead to privilege escalation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with both read and delete capabilities, effectively granting them complete control over the file system's contents. The use of base64 encoding in the attack vector suggests that the application may be attempting to obfuscate the malicious intent, though this does not provide sufficient protection against the underlying authentication flaw.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for systems running the affected file upload manager, as it allows attackers to access sensitive files that may contain confidential data, system configurations, or application source code. The ability to delete arbitrary files introduces additional risk of data loss or system disruption, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation through improper input validation, specifically targeting the credential access and persistence tactics. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to attackers across different skill levels and increasing the potential attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1957 should focus on implementing robust authentication checks for all file operations, regardless of the parameter encoding method used. The application must enforce strict access control measures that validate user credentials before processing any file view or delete requests, ensuring that only authorized users can access or modify files. Input validation should be strengthened to reject any malformed or suspicious base64-encoded parameters that could indicate an attempt to manipulate the file system. Security patches should include proper session management and authentication token validation, ensuring that each request is properly authenticated before any file operations are executed. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying the principle of least privilege and implementing comprehensive access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized file system manipulation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in other applications and systems.