CVE-2005-4308 in ezUpload Pro
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in ezUpload Pro 2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to include files via the mode parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4308 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in ezUpload Pro version 2.2 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the index.php script where the mode parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to perform local file inclusion attacks by manipulating the mode parameter to reference arbitrary files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and more broadly aligns with CWE-94, representing improper control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal and file inclusion vulnerability that can be exploited through the manipulation of user-supplied input parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption. When exploited, attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable server, gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, and establish persistent backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed from any remote location, making it highly attractive to malicious actors. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to upload and execute malicious files through the file upload functionality, which then gets processed by the vulnerable index.php script. This creates a complete compromise scenario where an attacker can escalate privileges, access database contents, modify system files, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage publicly accessible applications to gain initial access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4308 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to ezUpload Pro version 2.3 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address this file inclusion flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent malicious parameters from being processed. Security practitioners should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting the mode parameter. Input validation should enforce strict parameter checking and reject any requests containing potentially malicious file paths or references. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles can also limit the damage if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms, which are fundamental security controls recommended by various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts.