CVE-2005-3764 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
The image gallery (imagegallery) component in Exponent CMS 0.96.3 and later versions does not properly check the MIME type of uploaded files, with unknown impact from the preview icon, possibly involving injection of HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3764 resides within the image gallery component of Exponent CMS versions 0.96.3 and later, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of file upload mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient validation of MIME types during file uploads, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through improper file handling. The vulnerability specifically targets the preview icon functionality, where uploaded files are processed and displayed, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious content that could compromise the application's security posture.
The technical flaw manifests in the component's failure to properly validate file types against their actual content, relying instead on potentially manipulated MIME type headers provided by the client. This weakness creates an environment where attackers can upload files with extensions that do not match their actual content, enabling them to bypass security controls designed to prevent the upload of potentially dangerous file types. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file type validation, as it specifically relates to how preview icons are generated and displayed, suggesting that the preview generation process may not adequately sanitize or validate file contents before rendering them within the application interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it provides potential attackers with multiple attack vectors through the image gallery functionality. The possibility of HTML injection within preview icons creates opportunities for cross-site scripting attacks, where malicious scripts could execute within the context of other users' browsers. This could lead to session hijacking, data theft, or the redirection of users to malicious websites. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable privilege escalation if the preview icon generation process accesses files with elevated permissions or if the system's file handling mechanisms are not properly isolated.
Security professionals should approach this vulnerability with consideration of the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification, as it aligns with CWE-434, which addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type." The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through web application attacks, specifically targeting the web application layer where file upload controls are implemented. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including strict file type validation, proper MIME type checking, and content sanitization of uploaded files. The solution requires comprehensive input validation that examines both file extensions and actual file content, rather than relying solely on client-provided MIME type information. Additionally, implementing proper file handling procedures that separate uploaded content from executable code and ensuring that preview generation processes operate with appropriate sandboxing mechanisms will significantly reduce the risk exposure associated with this vulnerability.