CVE-2008-4509 in FOSS Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in processFiles.php in FOSS Gallery Admin and FOSS Gallery Public 1.0 beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in the root directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4509 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in FOSS Gallery Admin and FOSS Gallery Public version 1.0 beta systems. This vulnerability resides within the processFiles.php script which handles file processing operations within the gallery application's administrative and public interfaces. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types and extensions during the upload process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and deploy potentially harmful files to the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to upload files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions directly to the web server's root directory. When an attacker successfully uploads such a file, they can subsequently access it directly through a web browser or HTTP request, enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server. This represents a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture, as it permits unrestricted file uploads without proper validation of file content, extension, or MIME type. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers the use of unauthorized files to execute code on compromised systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary commands, establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects both administrative and public interfaces of the FOSS Gallery application, meaning that even users with limited privileges could potentially exploit this flaw to gain elevated access. The direct accessibility of uploaded files through the root directory eliminates the need for complex exploitation chains, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous and easy to exploit. Organizations using this version of FOSS Gallery face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the lack of proper input validation and file handling security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most critical immediate action involves implementing strict file type validation that rejects uploads of executable files or scripts, regardless of their extension. This includes verifying file content using magic number detection rather than relying solely on file extensions or MIME types. Organizations should also implement proper file upload restrictions by storing uploaded files outside the web root directory or by implementing proper access controls that prevent direct execution of uploaded files. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, using secure file naming conventions, and regularly scanning uploaded files for malicious content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities and prevent exploitation attempts.