CVE-2008-3232 in Dotclear
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ecrire/images.php in Dotclear 1.2.7.1 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in images.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3232 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Dotclear content management system version 1.2.7.1 and earlier. This issue resides in the ecrire/images.php component which handles file uploads for image management purposes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file extensions and content, allowing authenticated attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files to the server. The flaw specifically affects systems where users possess legitimate authentication credentials to access the administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access can be compromised through credential theft or social engineering attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp directly to the images directory. Once uploaded, these malicious files can be executed on the web server, providing attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities. The attack vector requires authentication to the system, which means that an attacker must first obtain valid user credentials or exploit other authentication bypass techniques. This authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as it still provides a path for privilege escalation and remote code execution. The flaw operates under CWE-434 which specifically addresses Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently exploited in numerous real-world attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once an attacker successfully uploads and executes malicious code, they can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the system, as attackers can modify content, delete files, or exfiltrate sensitive data. Additionally, the attack can be automated through scripting, making it particularly dangerous for systems where multiple administrative users exist. The vulnerability also violates several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for execution through command and script interpreters, and T1078 for valid accounts, as it leverages legitimate administrative access to achieve malicious goals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3232 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to prevent exploitation. Organizations should upgrade to Dotclear versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original version 1.2.7.1 contains no built-in protections against such attacks. The primary defensive measures include implementing strict file type validation that rejects executable extensions, implementing proper file content verification, and restricting file upload permissions to prevent direct execution of uploaded files. Additional protective measures should include disabling direct file execution in upload directories, implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns, and conducting regular security audits of file upload mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative access can also help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as demonstrated by industry standards and attack frameworks that consistently identify file upload vulnerabilities as high-risk threats requiring immediate remediation.