CVE-2007-1129 in MTCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities in MTCMS 3.2 allow remote attackers to upload and execute files via (1) an avatar upload in an add_down action, or (2) an add_link action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1129 represents a critical security flaw in MTCMS 3.2, a content management system that permits unauthorized remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability manifests in two distinct attack vectors within the system's functionality, specifically targeting the avatar upload mechanism during an add_down action and the add_link action. The fundamental issue lies in the absence of proper input validation and file type restrictions, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file upload forms within the CMS interface. When users attempt to add content through either the add_down or add_link actions, the system fails to validate the file extensions, MIME types, or file contents before storing uploaded files. This lack of validation creates an attack surface where an attacker can upload malicious files such as php shells, aspx web shells, or other executable code that can be executed on the web server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes unrestricted file upload or file upload validation flaws that allow attackers to upload and execute arbitrary code on a target system. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate security controls that should be implemented at the application level to prevent unauthorized file execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially gain complete control over the web server hosting the CMS. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the CMS is used to manage sensitive content or user data, as attackers can manipulate or exfiltrate information. This vulnerability can be leveraged to create persistent threats that may remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain access and continue their operations without detection. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling lateral movement within networks and privilege escalation attacks.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. The primary mitigation strategy involves implementing strict file validation controls that restrict file uploads to specific, safe extensions and verify the actual content of uploaded files through MIME type checking. Organizations should also employ web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious upload attempts, along with implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for file upload functionality. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the CMS to address the validation flaws, combined with security hardening measures that include disabling unnecessary file upload features and implementing proper file storage segregation. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against common web application attacks as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns.