CVE-2007-5231 in Zomplog
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/upload_files.php in Zomplog 3.8.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated administrators to upload and execute arbitrary .php files by sending a modified MIME type. NOTE: this can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers by leveraging CVE-2007-5230.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5231 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Zomplog content management system version 3.8.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the administrative file upload functionality located at admin/upload_files.php, where the application fails to properly validate file types and content, creating a pathway for malicious execution. The flaw specifically manifests when the system accepts files with modified MIME types, allowing attackers to bypass standard upload restrictions and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload process. When authenticated administrators attempt to upload files through the administrative interface, the system does not properly verify the file extension or MIME type against a strict whitelist of allowed formats. This weakness enables attackers to rename malicious PHP files with extensions that appear legitimate or to manipulate the MIME type headers during the upload process. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that include modified content-type headers, allowing PHP code to be uploaded and subsequently executed within the web server context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be leveraged by unauthenticated attackers through the exploitation of CVE-2007-5230, which likely represents a separate authentication bypass vulnerability. This chaining of vulnerabilities creates a particularly dangerous scenario where an attacker can gain initial access to the system through one vulnerability and then leverage the unrestricted file upload capability to establish persistent access, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for gaining access through exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can upload malicious PHP shells or web backdoors that provide persistent access to the compromised system, allowing them to execute commands, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated through various attack frameworks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Zomplog systems are deployed without proper security hardening.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate file upload validation issues and broader security posture improvements. Organizations should implement strict file type validation using multiple verification methods including MIME type checking, file extension validation, and content analysis to prevent the upload of executable scripts. The recommended approach includes maintaining a strict whitelist of allowed file types, implementing proper file naming conventions, and ensuring that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory with appropriate access controls. Additionally, the system should enforce proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, implement secure session management, and conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web applications updated with the latest security patches and following secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future deployments.