CVE-2008-4428 in Personal Information Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in upload.php in Phlatline s Personal Information Manager (pPIM) 1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a .php file, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in the top-level directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4428 represents a critical security flaw in the Phlatline s Personal Information Manager version 1.0 and earlier, specifically within the upload.php component. This unrestricted file upload vulnerability constitutes a severe weakness that allows remote attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions and deploy malicious code directly onto the target system. The flaw exists in the application's file validation mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize or restrict file types during the upload process, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes unrestricted file upload or file upload validation flaws that permit attackers to upload malicious files to a web application. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to upload a php file to the server's top-level directory, where it can be executed directly through a web request. This represents a classic path traversal and code execution scenario where the application fails to implement proper input validation, file type checking, or secure file storage mechanisms. The attack vector is straightforward yet devastating, requiring only that an attacker upload a malicious php payload and then access it via direct URL request.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected versions of pPIM, as it provides attackers with a direct path to compromise the entire server infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require privileged access or complex attack chains, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. The attack pattern follows the execution tactic where adversaries upload malicious files to gain code execution capabilities, and the initial access phase where they establish a foothold through vulnerable web applications. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, file type restrictions, secure file storage practices, and proper access controls. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper file upload security measures, including content type validation, filename sanitization, and ensuring uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar flaws in web applications.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves implementing comprehensive file upload security controls that address both the immediate threat and prevent similar issues. Organizations should enforce strict file type validation, implement proper content verification mechanisms, and ensure uploaded files are stored in secure locations that are not directly accessible via web requests. The fix requires modifications to the upload.php script to validate file extensions, check file content signatures, and implement proper access controls for uploaded files. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire server environments.