CVE-2007-3292 in LiveCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in LiveCMS 3.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code by specifying a PHP file type in a parameter intended for "a small image" associated with an article.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3292 represents a critical security flaw in LiveCMS 3.4 and earlier versions that enables remote attackers to bypass file validation mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation processes within the content management system's file upload functionality. The vulnerability specifically affects the parameter handling mechanism designed for small image uploads associated with articles, where the application fails to properly validate file extensions or content types, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit this weakness. The flaw allows attackers to upload PHP files with malicious code embedded, effectively granting them remote code execution capabilities on the affected server.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, and aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic insecure file upload vulnerability where the application trusts user-provided input without proper validation. The parameter intended for image uploads is manipulated to include PHP file extensions, and the application processes these requests without verifying whether the uploaded content matches the expected file type. This creates a pathway for attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to the system's file system and execution environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3292 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can upload web shells or other malicious PHP scripts that allow them to execute commands on the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system infiltration, and persistent access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate functionality of the content management system but can also serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, as attackers can use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against internal network resources. The lack of proper file type validation means that any uploaded file with a .php extension, regardless of its intended purpose, will be processed and executed by the web server.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to address the root cause and prevent exploitation. Organizations should implement strict file type validation by checking both file extensions and MIME types against a whitelist of approved formats, ensuring that only legitimate image files are accepted for upload. The system should also implement proper file content verification through magic number checking and file header validation to prevent executable code from being disguised as image files. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored in a separate directory from the web root, and the web server should be configured to prevent execution of PHP files in upload directories. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to LiveCMS installations, and the application should be configured with proper access controls and file permissions to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring and logging of file upload activities should also be implemented to detect and respond to suspicious upload behaviors.