CVE-2006-6463 in Midicart Php Shopping Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/add.php in Midicart allows remote authenticated users to upload arbitrary .php files, and possibly other files, to the images/ directory under the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6463 represents a critical security flaw within the Midicart e-commerce platform's administrative interface. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms that permit authenticated users to upload files without proper restrictions on file types or content validation. The vulnerability specifically affects the admin/add.php script which processes file uploads for product images and other media content within the system's administrative area.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the file upload functionality in the Midicart administration panel. When authenticated users submit files through the admin/add.php endpoint, the application fails to implement proper file type checking or content validation measures. This allows attackers to upload malicious files including php scripts that can execute arbitrary code on the web server. The vulnerability specifically targets the images/ directory located under the web root, making it possible for attackers to place malicious files directly in a location where they can be executed by the web server. The unrestricted nature of the upload mechanism means that attackers can potentially upload not only php files but other potentially harmful file types that could compromise the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain remote code execution capabilities on the affected web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can upload web shells or backdoor scripts that provide persistent access to the compromised system, enabling them to exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, or use the server for further attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire Midicart installation, as unauthorized file uploads can lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1105 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 for Valid Accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive file handling controls. Organizations should immediately implement strict file type validation by whitelisting allowed file extensions and content types, rejecting any uploads that do not conform to predefined security policies. The system should employ proper file name sanitization to prevent path traversal attacks and ensure uploaded files are stored in non-executable directories. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input validation measures within the admin/add.php script is essential to prevent unauthorized file uploads. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and code reviews to identify similar issues in other parts of the application. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious file upload activities, while also ensuring that all administrative interfaces require strong authentication mechanisms and proper authorization controls. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate file uploads continue to function while malicious file uploads are properly blocked.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure file handling in web applications. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient security controls in file upload mechanisms can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even authenticated users should be subject to strict security policies and that all file handling operations must include comprehensive validation and sanitization measures. The security implications extend beyond the immediate compromise to include potential impact on customer data, business continuity, and regulatory compliance requirements. Organizations must prioritize security in all aspects of their web application development lifecycle and implement defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar vulnerabilities in their systems.