CVE-2007-2961 in FileCloset
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in FileCloset before 1.1.5 allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary PHP files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2961 represents a critical security flaw in FileCloset versions prior to 1.1.5 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file handling and represents a significant risk to web application security. The flaw allows malicious actors to bypass normal file upload restrictions and deploy malicious PHP scripts to the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to upload web shells or other malicious code that can be executed within the web server context, providing persistent access to the underlying infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload mechanism of FileCloset. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious file uploads that bypass server-side checks, often by manipulating file extensions, content types, or using techniques such as double extensions or directory traversal. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths exist within the application's file handling logic, making the vulnerability more pervasive and difficult to fully mitigate. This type of vulnerability is commonly classified under CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and aligns with the broader category of insecure file handling practices that frequently appear in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-2961 extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise where attackers gain administrative control over the web server, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations running affected versions of FileCloset face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability can also facilitate lateral movement within networks as attackers use compromised systems to scan for additional targets and establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to FileCloset version 1.1.5 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the unrestricted file upload issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms that verify file content, enforce strict MIME type checking, and implement proper file naming conventions to prevent malicious file execution. Additional security measures include restricting file upload directories, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include proper access controls and monitoring of file upload activities to detect suspicious behavior. Security teams must also consider implementing least privilege principles and ensuring that uploaded files are scanned for malicious content before being made available to users or executed by the web server. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure file handling practices in web applications and the necessity of regular security updates and vulnerability assessments.