CVE-2007-5442 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple 1.1.3.1 does not check the permissions assigned to users who attempt uploads, which allows remote authenticated users to upload unspecified files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5442 affects CMS Made Simple version 1.1.3.1, a content management system that was widely used in web application deployments during the mid-2000s era. This particular flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that undermines the fundamental security controls designed to protect file upload functionalities within the CMS. The vulnerability exists in the permission validation mechanisms that govern user access to file upload capabilities, creating a scenario where authenticated users can potentially bypass intended security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and permission checking within the file upload subsystem of the CMS. When users attempt to upload files through the web interface, the system fails to properly verify whether the authenticated user possesses the necessary privileges to perform such operations. This weakness allows malicious or unauthorized users with valid login credentials to exploit the upload functionality without proper authorization checks, potentially leading to arbitrary file uploads. The unspecified nature of the vulnerable vectors suggests that the flaw may manifest through multiple attack paths within the upload mechanism, making it particularly challenging to defend against through simple code fixes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates potential pathways for more severe security breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could upload malicious files such as web shells, backdoors, or other harmful code that would execute within the context of the web server. This capability transforms the simple upload function into a potential gateway for complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. The remote authenticated nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system but can exploit it through network-based attacks.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) categories, representing failures in input validation and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) as it represents an attack vector through publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running vulnerable versions of CMS Made Simple face significant risk of lateral movement within their networks and potential data breaches, particularly if the web server has elevated privileges or access to sensitive backend systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and input validation in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through patching the CMS to a version that properly implements file upload permission checks. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including restricting upload capabilities to specific user roles, implementing strict file type validation, using secure file naming conventions, and monitoring upload activities for suspicious patterns. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious upload attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that proper access controls are in place. The remediation process must also include user access reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel have upload privileges, as this vulnerability highlights the critical need for principle of least privilege implementation in web application security.