CVE-2007-5188 in TotalCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the XOOPS uploader class in Xoops 2.0.17.1-RC1 and earlier allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files via unspecified vectors related to improper upload configuration settings in class/uploader.php and class/mimetypes.inc.php, possibly an incomplete blacklist that omits the .php4 extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5188 resides within the XOOPS content management system version 2.0.17.1-RC1 and earlier, specifically within the uploader class implementation. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to bypass file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary file uploads on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through improper configuration settings in the class/uploader.php and class/mimetypes.inc.php files, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the intended security controls of the platform.
The technical flaw stems from an incomplete blacklist mechanism that fails to properly validate file extensions during the upload process. Analysis indicates that the system's security configuration omits the .php4 extension from its restricted file type list, allowing malicious actors to upload files with this extension that can be executed as server-side scripts. This incomplete blacklist represents a classic security misconfiguration where the protection mechanism fails to account for all potentially dangerous file extensions that could be used to execute code on the web server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and demonstrates poor input validation practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for various malicious activities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other harmful content that can be executed within the web server context, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the XOOPS platform and can be exploited by remote unauthenticated users, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. This flaw undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the content management system and could enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive file validation mechanisms that employ both allowlists and denylists, ensuring all potentially dangerous file extensions are properly restricted. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of XOOPS where available, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file type validation at multiple layers, configuring web server restrictions to prevent execution of uploaded files, and establishing monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized file upload activities. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for file upload directories and regularly audit their security configurations to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of their web infrastructure. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of comprehensive security testing and proper input validation in web applications, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's methodology for identifying and mitigating file upload attack vectors.