CVE-2008-2267 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
Incomplete blacklist vulnerability in javaUpload.php in Postlet in the FileManager module in CMS Made Simple 1.2.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with a name ending in (1) .jsp, (2) .php3, (3) .cgi, (4) .dhtml, (5) .phtml, (6) .php5, or (7) .jar, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in modules/FileManager/postlet/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2267 represents a critical security flaw in the CMS Made Simple content management system version 1.2.4 and earlier. This issue resides within the FileManager module's javaUpload.php component, which handles file upload operations. The vulnerability stems from an incomplete blacklist implementation that fails to properly validate file extensions, creating a pathway for remote attackers to bypass security measures and execute malicious code on the target server. The flaw specifically affects the Postlet functionality within the FileManager module, where uploaded files are stored in the modules/FileManager/postlet/ directory, making them directly accessible through web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure file upload pattern where the application attempts to prevent execution of potentially dangerous file types but fails to account for various file extension variations that could bypass the filter. Attackers can exploit this by uploading files with extensions including .jsp, .php3, .cgi, .dhtml, .phtml, .php5, and .jar, which are all executable file types that can be processed by the web server. The vulnerability operates through a simple yet effective attack vector where malicious files are uploaded with these extensions and then executed by making direct requests to the uploaded files in the postlet directory. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a common weakness in web application security where input validation is insufficient to prevent malicious file uploads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization using affected CMS Made Simple installations. Remote attackers can gain arbitrary code execution capabilities on the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious web shells or other executable content that can be executed through direct HTTP requests, providing persistent access to the compromised system. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and establishing backdoors for continued access. The attack can be executed without authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for unauthorized access to systems that may contain sensitive business data, user information, or proprietary content.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain to establish a foothold in the target environment, subsequently using the executed code to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this risk, including immediate patching of affected CMS Made Simple installations to version 1.2.5 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additional mitigations include implementing proper file type validation on the server side, restricting file upload permissions, using random or sanitized file names, and implementing content security policies. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for comprehensive security testing of file upload functionalities, as organizations should regularly audit their applications for similar insecure patterns that could lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution attacks.