CVE-2008-0246 in UploadScript
Summary
by MITRE
admin.php in UploadScript 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-2008-0246 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the UploadScript 1.0 web application. This issue resides in the admin.php component which handles administrative functions, specifically the password change mechanism. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental security oversight where the application fails to validate the existing administrative password before allowing a password modification. This design flaw creates a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and assume administrative control of the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and authentication checks. When an attacker submits a password change request through the nopass action, the system accepts the new password value without first verifying the current administrator password. This weakness directly maps to CWE-305 Authentication Bypass Through Multiple Implementations, where the application's authentication mechanism is compromised due to insufficient verification steps. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely through HTTP parameters, making it easily exploitable via web-based attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates severe consequences for system security and integrity. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to gain full administrative control over the UploadScript application without requiring any prior authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows attackers to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire hosting environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage legitimate credentials or authentication bypasses to maintain persistent access. The lack of proper session management and authentication verification creates an attack surface that can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper authentication controls and input validation measures. Organizations should implement mandatory verification of existing passwords before allowing any administrative changes, ensuring that only authorized users can modify critical system parameters. The fix involves adding cryptographic verification of the current password before processing any password change requests, effectively closing the authentication bypass window. Additionally, implementing rate limiting and logging mechanisms around administrative functions helps detect and prevent automated exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication design and the potential catastrophic consequences of inadequate security controls in administrative interfaces.