CVE-2007-0972 in Jupiter CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in modules/emoticons.php in Jupiter CMS 1.1.5 allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files by modifying the HTTP request to send an image content type, and to omit is_guest and is_user parameters. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2006-4875.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0972 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within Jupiter CMS version 1.1.5, specifically affecting the modules/emoticons.php component. This vulnerability exposes the content management system to remote code execution risks through a sophisticated attack vector that manipulates HTTP request parameters and content type headers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly verify file uploads, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass security measures designed to restrict file types and access permissions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to manipulate HTTP requests by modifying the content type header to appear as an image file while simultaneously omitting critical authentication parameters such as is_guest and is_user. This technique allows the attacker to circumvent the CMS's intended file validation processes, which typically would reject executable files or scripts based on file extensions and content type checks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and parameter validation, where the system fails to enforce mandatory authentication checks before processing file uploads. This flaw falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which specifically addresses the risk of accepting files that could execute code on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as it creates a persistent threat vector for remote code execution and system compromise. Attackers can upload malicious scripts, web shells, or other executable content that can be triggered through the CMS interface, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2006-4875 suggests a pattern of similar weaknesses in the Jupiter CMS codebase, indicating a systemic issue with file upload validation and access control implementation that requires comprehensive remediation. The implications for organizations using this CMS version are severe, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any privileged access or specialized knowledge beyond basic web application exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive defensive measures against similar attack patterns. Organizations should immediately patch to a supported version of Jupiter CMS that addresses this vulnerability, while implementing strict file upload validation that checks not only file extensions but also content type signatures and file headers. The implementation of mandatory authentication checks for all file upload operations, combined with proper access control mechanisms that validate is_guest and is_user parameters, would prevent unauthorized file uploads. Security controls should also include the deployment of web application firewalls with rules designed to detect and block suspicious HTTP request modifications, particularly those involving content type header manipulation. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other CMS modules or components, as the presence of one such vulnerability often indicates the potential for additional security gaps within the same codebase. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple layers of security controls to protect against file upload attacks.