CVE-2005-2014 in pafaq
Summary
by MITRE
the "upload a language pack" feature in pafaq 1.0 beta 4 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary php commands by uploading a malicious language pack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2014 affects the pafaq 1.0 beta 4 web application, specifically targeting its language pack upload functionality. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated administrators to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file handling within the language pack upload mechanism, creating a path for malicious code injection that can compromise the entire application server.
The technical flaw manifests through the lack of proper file type validation and content sanitization when processing uploaded language packs. When an authenticated administrator uploads what appears to be a legitimate language pack file, the system fails to adequately verify the file's true nature or content. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious PHP files disguised as language pack components, which are then processed and executed by the web server. The vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic case of insecure file upload handling that enables remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using pafaq 1.0 beta 4. Once exploited, the malicious code execution capability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who can obtain administrator credentials or escalate privileges through other means can immediately leverage this flaw. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and T1505.003 for server-side include, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be exploited to achieve persistent access and command execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and broader architectural weaknesses in the application's file handling processes. Organizations should implement strict file type validation, reject executable file extensions, and sanitize all uploaded content through proper file format verification. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based file extension validation system that only accepts known safe formats, along with deploying content inspection mechanisms that analyze file headers and structures. Additionally, the application should employ proper file storage separation, ensuring that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory and are not directly executable. Security measures should also include regular security audits, input validation enforcement, and proper access control mechanisms that limit upload capabilities to only authorized personnel with legitimate business requirements. The solution should align with security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.