CVE-2005-4623 in eFileGo
Summary
by MITRE
upload.exe in eFileGo 3.01 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via an argument with an invalid directory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4623 affects the eFileGo 3.01 file sharing application, specifically targeting the upload.exe component. This issue represents a classic denial of service weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to consume excessive system resources. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the upload.exe executable, which fails to properly handle malformed directory name arguments during file upload operations. When an attacker provides an argument containing an invalid directory name, the application enters a resource-intensive processing loop that consumes excessive cpu cycles, ultimately leading to system performance degradation or complete service unavailability. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be triggered without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application is accessible to unauthenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper error handling and input sanitization within the eFileGo application's file upload mechanism. The upload.exe component does not validate directory path arguments before processing them, allowing malformed inputs to bypass normal execution flow and trigger infinite or extended processing loops. This behavior aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness that can lead to resource exhaustion attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the cpu utilization aspect of system resources, making it a classic example of a cpu consumption denial of service attack that can be executed remotely without requiring elevated privileges. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious directory name arguments that cause the application to continuously process invalid paths, effectively monopolizing system cpu resources and rendering legitimate file upload operations impossible.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4623 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall availability and reliability of systems running eFileGo 3.01. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause sustained cpu consumption that may affect not only the file sharing application itself but also other services running on the same system. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the vulnerable application. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be maintained for extended periods, potentially leading to complete system instability or crashes. From an operational perspective, the vulnerability undermines the availability aspect of the CIA triad and can be categorized under the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework as T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service, which specifically targets the availability of endpoint systems through resource exhaustion attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling within the upload.exe component. System administrators should immediately apply vendor patches or updates if available, as this vulnerability represents a well-known issue that was likely addressed in subsequent versions of eFileGo. Network segmentation and access controls can provide temporary protection by limiting exposure to authenticated users only, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual cpu consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of rate limiting and resource quotas for file upload operations can help prevent single malicious requests from consuming excessive system resources. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for patterns consistent with this specific vulnerability, as the malformed directory name arguments used in exploitation can be identified through signature-based detection methods. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted executables and ensure that all system components undergo regular security assessments to identify similar input validation weaknesses.