CVE-2008-0473 in Rich Text Editor
Summary
by MITRE
RTE_popup_save_file.asp in Web Wiz Rich Text Editor 4.0 allows remote attackers to upload (1) .html and (2) .htm files via unspecified vectors.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The CVE-2008-0473 vulnerability affects the Web Wiz Rich Text Editor version 4.0, specifically targeting the RTE_popup_save_file.asp component. This represents a critical file upload vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads on vulnerable systems. The flaw permits the upload of html and htm files, which can be leveraged to perform various malicious activities including cross-site scripting attacks, defacement of web content, or potentially more severe exploits depending on the server configuration. The vulnerability exists within the file validation mechanisms of the rich text editor's popup save functionality, allowing attackers to bypass intended security restrictions. This issue demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate file type filtering, which are common patterns in web application security vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in industry standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file extensions and content within the upload process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that include html or htm file extensions, which are then processed by the vulnerable application without proper sanitization. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may be accessible through multiple attack paths including direct manipulation of upload forms, API endpoints, or through parameter manipulation. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and represents a significant risk when the uploaded files can be executed or interpreted by the web server. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 which addresses "Command and Scripting Interpreter" through potential execution of uploaded malicious content.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0473 extends beyond simple file upload capabilities, as html and htm files can be used to execute client-side attacks including cross-site scripting, phishing attempts, and social engineering campaigns. When these files are stored on the web server and subsequently served to other users, they can compromise the integrity of the entire web application and potentially lead to further exploitation of the underlying system. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as the uploaded files remain accessible until manually removed from the server. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Web Wiz Rich Text Editor face risks of data compromise, service disruption, and potential unauthorized access to sensitive information. The exploitation of this vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments. Given the age of this vulnerability, it represents a legacy security issue that highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0473 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to newer versions of the Web Wiz Rich Text Editor that address the file upload validation issues. Organizations should implement strict file type filtering and validation mechanisms that prevent the upload of potentially dangerous file extensions including html and htm files. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls, restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated users only, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious upload attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications and components. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and monitoring for unauthorized file uploads to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the implemented fixes do not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the security posture of the affected systems.