CVE-2008-2832 in Aspwebcalendar2008
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in calendar_admin.asp in Full Revolution aspWebCalendar 2008 allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary code via the FILE1 parameter in an uploadfileprocess action, probably followed by a direct request to the file in calendar/eventimages/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2832 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the aspWebCalendar 2008 software developed by Full Revolution. This security weakness resides within the calendar_admin.asp component and specifically affects the uploadfileprocess action where the FILE1 parameter is processed. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions and execute malicious code on the target system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly verify file types, extensions, or content before storing uploaded files on the web server. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that allows attackers to upload executable files or scripts that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized control over the affected system and potentially establish persistent access for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to upload files with potentially malicious content through the FILE1 parameter in the uploadfileprocess action. When the application processes this request, it stores the uploaded file in the calendar/eventimages/ directory without proper validation of the file type or content. This creates a path traversal and code execution scenario where attackers can upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other executable files that will be executed by the web server when accessed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication to exploit, meaning any remote user can potentially leverage this weakness. The attack vector follows standard exploitation patterns identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application technique, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in externally accessible applications to gain initial access. The lack of proper file type validation combined with the absence of content inspection mechanisms creates an environment where attackers can upload files with extensions like .asp, .aspx, .php, or .jsp that will be executed by the web server, enabling arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation allows attackers to upload malicious files that can be used to establish backdoors, steal sensitive data, or launch further attacks against internal network resources. The vulnerability can lead to persistent access, data exfiltration, and system integrity compromise, making it a serious concern for organizations using the affected software. Organizations may experience service disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and financial losses due to unauthorized access to systems and data. The vulnerability also affects the overall security posture of the organization by providing a direct path for attackers to establish a foothold within the network infrastructure. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in long-term compromise of the web server and potentially the entire network, as attackers can use the uploaded files to pivot to other systems or escalate privileges within the affected environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2832 must address the core issue of unrestricted file uploads through multiple defensive layers. Organizations should implement strict file type validation and content inspection mechanisms that reject suspicious file extensions and verify file content against known safe patterns. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist of allowed file extensions, enforcing proper file naming conventions, and using file type detection libraries to validate uploaded content. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored in non-executable directories and should not be directly accessible through the web server. The web application should implement proper authentication and authorization controls to limit access to administrative functions and upload capabilities. Organizations should also apply security patches and updates to the aspWebCalendar software, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent versions. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious upload activities and potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring tools can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts and help detect unauthorized file upload activities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.