CVE-2008-3592 in Symphony
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the File Manager in the admin panel in Twentyone Degrees Symphony 1.7.01 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension to a directory specified in the destination parameter, then accessing the uploaded file via a direct request, as demonstrated using workspace/masters/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3592 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Twentyone Degrees Symphony 1.7.01 content management system. This weakness exists in the administrative file manager component, which provides users with the ability to upload files to specified directories within the application's file system. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of file uploads in the admin panel, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize file extensions before storing uploaded files. Attackers can exploit this by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp to directories like workspace/masters/ that are accessible via direct web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload functionality. When users upload files through the administrative interface, the system does not perform proper checks to ensure that uploaded files do not contain executable code or malicious payloads. This lack of proper validation allows attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent the upload of potentially dangerous file types. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to upload files with extensions that will be executed by the web server when accessed, enabling remote code execution capabilities. The specific directory path workspace/masters/ serves as the target location where malicious files can be placed and subsequently executed, making this a direct path to system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected systems. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code on the target system, which may include web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads designed to maintain persistent access. The vulnerability affects all versions of Symphony 1.7.01 and earlier, representing a significant security gap that could be exploited across multiple installations. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications allow users to upload files without proper validation of file type or content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. The most effective approach involves implementing strict file type validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent the upload of executable files or files with dangerous extensions. Organizations should enforce whitelist-based validation that only allows specific, safe file types to be uploaded while rejecting all other extensions. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored in directories that are not directly accessible via the web server, or proper access controls should be implemented to prevent direct execution of uploaded files. The system should also employ proper file name sanitization to prevent directory traversal attacks and ensure that uploaded files are stored in randomized or obfuscated paths to prevent predictable file locations. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code through uploaded files. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where administrative functions should never allow unrestricted file uploads without comprehensive security controls.