CVE-2006-4602 in TikiWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in jhot.php in TikiWiki 1.9.4 Sirius and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a filepath parameter that contains a filename with a .php extension, which is uploaded to the img/wiki/ directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4602 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within TikiWiki version 1.9.4 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the jhot.php script which processes file uploads without adequate validation or sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers manipulate the filepath parameter to include filenames ending with the .php extension, enabling them to bypass normal upload restrictions and execute malicious code within the target system. The affected directory img/wiki/ serves as the default location where these malicious files are stored and subsequently executed, creating a persistent backdoor for attackers to gain unauthorized access to the web application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with CWE-434, which categorizes unrestricted file upload as a serious security flaw. Attackers can craft malicious PHP payloads and upload them through the vulnerable jhot.php endpoint, where the application fails to validate file extensions or content types before storing files in the img/wiki/ directory. This lack of proper input validation creates a direct path for arbitrary code execution, as the uploaded PHP files can be accessed through the web server and executed with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in file handling and access control, as the application does not implement proper file type checking or sanitize user-supplied filenames before processing them.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised TikiWiki installation. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, modify existing content, create new user accounts, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to both casual and sophisticated attackers. Organizations using vulnerable versions of TikiWiki face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4602 should focus on immediate patching of the affected TikiWiki versions, as well as implementing comprehensive file upload restrictions. Security measures must include validating file extensions against a strict whitelist, implementing proper content type checking, and sanitizing all user-supplied filenames before processing. Organizations should also employ directory permissions that prevent execution of uploaded files, implement web application firewalls to detect suspicious upload patterns, and conduct regular security audits of file handling mechanisms. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK framework tactics related to privilege escalation and persistence, ensuring that any uploaded files cannot be executed directly and that proper access controls are enforced. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of file upload activities will help detect potential exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for security investigations.