CVE-2008-4878 in WebCards
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the "Add Image Macro" feature in WebCards 1.3 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the uploaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The CVE-2008-4878 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in WebCards 1.3 that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of inadequate input validation and file upload restrictions. This vulnerability specifically targets the "Add Image Macro" feature within the web application, which is designed to allow administrators to enhance content with visual elements. The flaw enables authenticated administrators to bypass normal file validation mechanisms and upload malicious files with executable extensions such as .asp, .php, or .jsp, creating a persistent backdoor within the application environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file extensions and content types during the upload process. When administrators upload files through the macro feature, the application fails to properly verify the file type or content, allowing attackers to submit files that appear to be images but contain malicious executable code. The vulnerability operates under the principle of unrestricted file upload, which is classified as CWE-434 within the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing one of the most dangerous categories of web application vulnerabilities due to its potential for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the target system through the uploaded malicious files. Once an attacker successfully uploads an executable file, they can access it directly via HTTP requests to the file's location, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands on the web server. This capability allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors that can be used for long-term access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server Software Component, as it exploits a weakness in the web application's file handling capabilities to establish malicious code execution.
The exploitation process requires minimal technical sophistication, as it only necessitates authentication to the administrative interface and knowledge of the file upload endpoint. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access. Organizations running WebCards 1.3 are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of proper file type validation and the absence of content verification mechanisms that would prevent the execution of malicious code. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of implementing robust input validation, proper file extension checking, and content type verification in web applications to prevent similar security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate implementation of strict file validation mechanisms that reject executable files regardless of their extensions or content. Organizations should enforce whitelisting of allowed file types, implement proper content type checking, and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, administrators should implement proper access controls and regularly audit file upload functionality to identify and remediate similar security flaws. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent unrestricted file uploads and ensure proper validation of all user-supplied data.