CVE-2008-4366 in Camera Life
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the image upload component in Camera Life 2.6.2b4 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 a user directory under images/photos/upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4366 represents a critical security flaw in the Camera Life 2.6.2b4 web application that enables authenticated attackers to bypass file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the image upload component that fails to properly verify file extensions and content types before storing uploaded files. The vulnerability specifically affects the user directory structure under images/photos/upload where uploaded files are accessible via direct web requests, creating a path for malicious file execution.
This flaw constitutes a classic unrestricted file upload vulnerability that aligns with CWE-434, which categorizes improper restriction of file uploads as a significant security weakness. The vulnerability operates under the principle that authenticated users can leverage their privileges to upload malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which are then served directly by the web server. The attack vector requires minimal prerequisites as the attacker only needs valid authentication credentials to the Camera Life application, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised or where default credentials are not properly changed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, escalating privileges, or using the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to execute malicious code, and T1078, which covers valid accounts usage for persistence and privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation process involves several key steps that align with standard web application attack methodologies. First, the authenticated user must navigate to the image upload functionality and prepare a malicious file with an executable extension that mimics legitimate image formats. The application's inadequate input validation allows this file to be saved to the designated upload directory without proper content verification or extension filtering. Subsequently, the attacker accesses the uploaded file directly through a web browser or HTTP client, triggering the execution of the malicious code within the context of the web server process. This vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1203, where attackers may use compromised accounts to upload files and establish persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate file upload restrictions and broader application security practices. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict file type validation that checks both file extensions and MIME types against a whitelist of approved formats, while also performing content analysis to verify that uploaded files conform to expected binary structures. Security controls should include disabling execution permissions on upload directories, implementing proper file naming conventions that obscure file extensions, and establishing robust access controls that prevent unauthorized file execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of defense-in-depth strategies that combine multiple security controls to protect against similar attack vectors, particularly in web applications where user input validation is essential for preventing code execution attacks.