CVE-2008-2988 in Benja
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/upload.php in Benja CMS 0.1 allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP files via unspecified vectors, followed by a direct request to the file in billeder/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2988 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within Benja CMS version 0.1 that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability exists in the administrative upload functionality located at admin/upload.php, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file uploads, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls. The flaw specifically affects the file upload process that stores uploaded files in the billeder/ directory, where the uploaded content can be directly accessed and executed by attackers.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes unrestricted file upload or upload of executable files, a common weakness that enables attackers to upload malicious code that can be executed within the target system. The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient file type checking mechanisms within the CMS administration interface. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through unspecified vectors that typically involve crafting malicious PHP files with executable code and uploading them through the vulnerable upload script. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that uploaded files are directly accessible via the web server, eliminating the need for additional exploitation steps beyond the initial upload.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system running the affected Benja CMS version. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or server takeover. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, deploy web shells, or execute commands on the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of exploit public-facing applications, and T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters. Organizations with vulnerable systems face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to prevent exploitation. The primary remediation involves implementing strict file type validation and content checking mechanisms within the upload functionality, rejecting any files that do not conform to expected patterns or that contain executable code. Organizations should enforce proper file extension validation, implement MIME type checking, and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to restrict upload capabilities to authorized administrators only, while maintaining proper file permissions and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious upload attempts. Regular security audits and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.