CVE-2008-6530 in Living Local
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in editimage.php in eZoneScripts Living Local 1.1 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary PHP 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 • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6530 represents a critical security flaw in the eZoneScripts Living Local 1.1 web application that stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms. This unrestricted file upload vulnerability specifically affects the editimage.php component, which serves as a legitimate file upload interface for administrators to manage image content within the application. The flaw occurs when authenticated administrative users upload files without proper validation of file extensions, content types, or file attributes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload functionality that allows malicious files to be uploaded and executed on the web server. The flaw exploits the application's failure to properly validate uploaded files, particularly concerning executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions. When an authenticated administrator uploads a malicious file with an executable extension, the web application processes the upload without sufficient sanitization, storing the file in a directory accessible via the web server. This creates a direct execution path where attackers can access the uploaded file through a simple HTTP request, effectively bypassing normal application security controls and gaining remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary commands on the web server with the privileges of the web application user. This could enable complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has obtained administrative credentials can immediately exploit this weakness without additional reconnaissance or privilege escalation techniques. The attack vector follows the ATT&CK framework's T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6530 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices within the application. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms that check not only file extensions but also MIME types, file headers, and content signatures to prevent executable files from being uploaded. The application should enforce a whitelist approach for allowed file types, rejecting any uploads that do not match predefined safe extensions. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory, and all uploaded files should be renamed using random or predictable naming schemes to prevent direct access. The system should also implement proper access controls and file permissions that prevent execution of uploaded files even if they bypass initial validation. Regular security audits, input validation testing, and comprehensive vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other application components and ensure that the remediation efforts are comprehensive.