CVE-2007-1155 in webSPELL
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in webSPELL allows remote authenticated administrators to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code via the add squad feature. NOTE: this issue may be an administrative feature, in which case this CVE may be REJECTED.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1155 represents a critical security flaw within the webSPELL content management system that enables authenticated administrative users to bypass file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This issue specifically manifests through the add squad feature, which was designed as an administrative tool for managing team or squad information within the webSPELL platform. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly verify the file types and content being uploaded through this administrative interface.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-434, which addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic example of how administrative features can become attack vectors when proper security controls are absent. The vulnerability occurs because the system does not adequately validate the file extensions or content of uploaded files, allowing malicious actors with administrative privileges to upload PHP scripts that can be executed on the web server. This creates a path for remote code execution that can be exploited to gain full control over the affected system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using webSPELL as their content management platform. An attacker who gains administrative access to a webSPELL installation can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious PHP files that could serve various purposes including data exfiltration, establishing backdoors, or deploying additional malware. The attack vector requires only authenticated access to an administrative account, which makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or through credential compromise. The potential for privilege escalation and persistent access makes this a high-severity issue that could lead to complete system compromise.
The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1505.003 for "Server Software Component: Web Shell," as the ability to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code directly corresponds to these attack patterns. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including strict file type validation, content inspection of uploaded files, and mandatory file extension filtering that prevents execution of PHP files in upload directories. The recommended mitigations include disabling or restricting the add squad feature for non-essential users, implementing proper file upload validation mechanisms, and ensuring that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, regular security audits and privilege reviews should be conducted to minimize the risk of unauthorized administrative access that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.