CVE-2007-3432 in Pluxml
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/images.php in Pluxml 0.3.1 allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code via a .jpg filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3432 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Pluxml version 0.3.1's administrative image handling component. This weakness exists within the admin/images.php script which fails to properly validate file extensions or content types when processing uploaded images. The vulnerability specifically allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions by uploading malicious files with .jpg extensions, exploiting the system's inadequate file validation mechanisms that only check for the file extension rather than the actual file content or MIME type.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category known as "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" which is classified as a serious security flaw in web applications. The technical implementation flaw stems from the application's failure to perform proper input validation on uploaded files, relying solely on filename extensions rather than comprehensive file analysis. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious PHP code within a file that appears to be a legitimate image but contains executable PHP payload. The system's insufficient validation allows the upload to proceed without proper content verification, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, perform lateral movement within the network, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and can facilitate subsequent techniques such as T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" for code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of comprehensive file validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file type validation that examines both the file extension and the actual file content using MIME type checking and file signature verification. The system must reject any file that does not match the expected binary format regardless of its extension. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored in a separate directory from executable code, with proper file permissions that prevent execution of uploaded files. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist of allowed file extensions, performing content-based validation using tools like file command or MIME type detection libraries, and ensuring that uploaded files are not directly executable by the web server. Regular security audits and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases and maintain robust application security posture.