CVE-2007-6479 in Dokeos
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the "My productions" component for main/auth/profile.php (aka the "My profile" page) in Dokeos 1.8.4 allows remote authenticated users to upload and execute arbitrary PHP files via a filename with a double extension, which can then be accessed through a URI under main/upload/users/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The CVE-2007-6479 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Dokeos 1.8.4's "My productions" component, specifically affecting the main/auth/profile.php file. This vulnerability exists within the application's user profile management functionality, where authenticated users can manipulate file upload parameters to bypass security restrictions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file extensions, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the URI path main/upload/users/ which serves as the upload destination for user-generated content, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on exploiting double extension file uploads, where attackers can append malicious PHP code to files with seemingly benign extensions. For example, a file named shell.php.jpg would be processed by the system with the .jpg extension, but the underlying PHP code within the file could execute when accessed through the upload directory. This technique bypasses many standard security filters that only check for single extensions, exploiting the way web servers process files with multiple dots in their names. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor secure coding practices in file validation and access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables authenticated remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected system. Once a malicious PHP file is uploaded and accessed through the designated URI, attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects all authenticated users, which means that even low-privilege accounts can leverage this flaw for malicious activities. This creates a significant risk for educational institutions using Dokeos, as compromised systems could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to student and faculty information.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust file validation mechanisms and restricting file upload capabilities. Organizations should enforce strict file extension filtering, reject files with double extensions, and implement proper file type checking using content analysis rather than relying solely on extension validation. The system should also implement proper access controls to ensure that uploaded files are not directly executable and that uploaded content is stored in a secure location separate from executable directories. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and regular security audits can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the codebase. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which categorizes unrestricted upload of executable files, and represents a technique commonly referenced in ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.