CVE-2008-0245 in Uploadscript
Summary
by MITRE
admin.php in UploadImage 1.0 does not check for the original password before making a change to a new password, which allows remote attackers to gain administrator privileges via the pass parameter in a nopass (Set Password) action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0245 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the UploadImage 1.0 web application's administrative interface. This issue stems from a fundamental lack of input validation and authentication checks within the admin.php script, specifically during password modification operations. The vulnerability exists in the nopass action where the application fails to verify the current administrator password before allowing a password change, creating a direct path for unauthorized users to assume administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic weak authentication mechanism where the application trusts user input without proper verification of existing credentials. When an attacker submits a password change request through the pass parameter in the nopass action, the system processes the request without validating whether the user possesses legitimate administrative access. This flaw directly violates security principle of least privilege and authentication verification, allowing any remote attacker to manipulate the administrative password without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it eliminates the need for prior access or credentials to the system, making it exploitable by anyone who can reach the vulnerable web application.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables complete system compromise by allowing attackers to gain full administrative control over the UploadImage 1.0 application. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can modify or delete uploaded images, access sensitive system files, alter application configurations, and potentially use the compromised administrative account for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of existing administrative credentials, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-305 Authentication Bypass and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows adversaries to gain persistent access through legitimate administrative credentials.
The security implications extend beyond immediate privilege escalation, as this vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access and conduct further reconnaissance or lateral movement within the compromised environment. The lack of proper authentication checks in the password change functionality represents a design flaw that should have been addressed through proper input validation and session management. Organizations running vulnerable versions of UploadImage 1.0 face significant risk of data compromise, system manipulation, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, particularly for administrative functions that can alter system security settings.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate patching of the UploadImage 1.0 application to the latest version that addresses the authentication bypass flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces and ensure that administrative functions require proper authentication before any changes can be made. The fix should enforce mandatory password verification before allowing any administrative password modifications, implementing proper session management and input validation controls. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual administrative access patterns and password change activities. Security teams should also review and strengthen their application security testing procedures to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing robust authentication mechanisms for administrative functions, aligning with security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework requirements.