CVE-2008-6492 in Tizag Countdown Creator
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in process.php in Tizag Countdown Creator 3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension via index.php, then accessing the uploaded file via a direct request to the file in pics/. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2024
The CVE-2008-6492 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Tizag Countdown Creator 3's process.php script that enables remote code execution through a carefully crafted attack vector. This vulnerability resides within the web application's file handling mechanism and specifically targets the index.php interface that processes user uploads. The flaw allows attackers to bypass normal file validation procedures by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp directly to the server's pics/ directory. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file uploads, creating a pathway for adversaries to deploy malicious payloads that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once a malicious file is successfully uploaded, the attacker can execute commands remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the compromised server for further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise since it leverages the legitimate file upload functionality of the application. The attack chain begins with an attacker accessing the vulnerable index.php page, uploading a malicious payload with an executable extension, and then directly accessing the uploaded file through the pics/ directory. This direct access pattern bypasses typical web application firewalls and security controls that might monitor user input but not direct file access patterns. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in web application development, specifically the lack of proper file type validation, content inspection, and secure file storage mechanisms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly the Initial Access and Execution phases where adversaries establish footholds and execute code within target environments. The attack vector represents a classic example of a web application vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistence within compromised systems. Organizations using Tizag Countdown Creator 3 are at significant risk since the vulnerability allows for immediate code execution without requiring authentication or advanced exploitation techniques. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, especially in environments where such applications handle sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6492 should focus on implementing robust input validation, file type restriction, and secure file handling practices. Organizations should immediately patch or upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability, as the software appears to be outdated and unsupported. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file extension validation, using random or unique filenames for uploads, storing uploaded files outside the web root directory, and implementing content type checks. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file upload attempts, conduct regular security assessments of web applications, and implement proper access controls for file upload directories. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing during application development phases, emphasizing the need for defense-in-depth strategies that include both perimeter and application-level security controls.