CVE-2008-6542 in DotNetNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Skin Manager in DotNetNuke before 4.8.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to perform "server-side execution of application logic" by uploading a static file that is converted into a dynamic script via unknown vectors related to HTM or HTML files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6542 represents a critical server-side execution flaw within the DotNetNuke content management system's Skin Manager component. This issue affects versions prior to 4.8.2 and specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal privileges to exploit. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of file uploads and processing within the skin management functionality, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary server-side code through seemingly benign static file uploads.
The technical exploitation vector involves uploading static HTML or HTM files that are subsequently processed by the system in a manner that converts them into executable dynamic scripts. This conversion process appears to leverage the web server's interpretation of certain file extensions or content patterns that trigger the execution of embedded code within the uploaded files. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic file upload security flaw where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize uploaded content before processing it as executable code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a high-risk weakness in software security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the entire application environment through server-side execution of application logic. This capability allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where DotNetNuke instances are deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify application behavior, access sensitive user data, and potentially use the compromised system as a staging point for further attacks. The fact that this requires only authenticated administrator access makes it particularly concerning for organizations where administrative privileges are more widely distributed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6542 should focus on immediate patching of affected DotNetNuke installations to version 4.8.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement robust file upload validation mechanisms that enforce strict content type checking and prevent the execution of dynamic code within uploaded files. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server-side Execution and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, highlighting the importance of principle of least privilege and proper access controls in preventing unauthorized administrative access to vulnerable systems. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack that may exhibit similar processing behaviors with uploaded content.