CVE-2008-0577 in Project Issue Tracking module
Summary
by MITRE
The Project Issue Tracking module 5.x-2.x-dev before 20080130 in the 5.x-2.x series, 5.x-1.2 and earlier in the 5.x-1.x series, 4.7.x-2.6 and earlier in the 4.7.x-2.x series, and 4.7.x-1.6 and earlier in the 4.7.x-1.x series for Drupal (1) does not restrict the extensions of attached files when the Upload module is enabled for issue nodes, which allows remote attackers to upload and possibly execute arbitrary files; and (2) accepts the .html extension within the bundled file-upload functionality, which allows remote attackers to upload files containing arbitrary web script or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0577 represents a critical file upload security flaw within the Drupal Project Issue Tracking module across multiple version series. This issue affects Drupal 5.x-2.x-dev before 20080130, 5.x-1.2 and earlier, 4.7.x-2.6 and earlier, and 4.7.x-1.6 and earlier versions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate file extension validation and filtering mechanisms within the upload functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through malicious file uploads.
The technical flaw manifests in two primary ways that collectively enable arbitrary code execution and cross-site scripting attacks. First, the module fails to properly restrict file extensions when the Upload module is enabled for issue nodes, allowing attackers to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, or .pl that could execute server-side code. Second, the system specifically accepts the .html extension within its bundled file-upload functionality, which enables attackers to upload HTML files containing embedded JavaScript or other malicious web scripts. This dual vulnerability creates a comprehensive attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including web shell deployment, session hijacking, and persistent backdoor establishment.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Drupal installations using the affected Project Issue Tracking module. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files that execute arbitrary code on the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a legitimate administrative functionality, making it harder to detect through standard security monitoring. The ability to upload HTML files with embedded scripts also enables cross-site scripting attacks that can target other users of the system, potentially leading to credential theft or further exploitation of the web application.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling that violates fundamental security principles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can exploit the vulnerable upload functionality to execute malicious code. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects multiple Drupal version series simultaneously, indicating a systemic flaw in the module's security design rather than a one-off implementation error.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Drupal installations to the latest available versions that address the file extension validation issues. Organizations should implement strict file type validation that whitelists acceptable extensions while blacklisting dangerous ones, particularly blocking common scripting extensions. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious file upload patterns. Additionally, proper file upload directory permissions should be enforced to prevent execution of uploaded files, and regular security audits should be conducted to ensure no unauthorized upload capabilities exist within the application. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.