CVE-2008-6584 in TorrentFlux
Summary
by MITRE
html/index.php in TorrentFlux 2.3 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a URL with a file containing an executable extension in the url_upload parameter, which is downloaded by TorrentFlux and can be accessed via a direct request in a html/downloads/ user directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6584 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within TorrentFlux 2.3's web interface. This issue arises from improper input validation and file handling mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied URLs containing file parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the html/index.php component which processes the url_upload parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted URL that contains a file with an executable extension within the url_upload parameter. When TorrentFlux processes this parameter, it downloads the specified file and stores it in the html/downloads/ directory structure, making the malicious file directly accessible via web requests. This design flaw essentially creates a file upload vulnerability where the application fails to validate the file type or content before storing and serving the file, allowing attackers to upload and execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the web server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running TorrentFlux 2.3 as it enables remote authenticated users to gain full control over the affected server. The attack vector requires only that an attacker possess valid credentials to access the TorrentFlux interface, which is typically a low barrier to entry in many environments. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute system commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The fact that uploaded files become directly accessible via the html/downloads/ directory structure means that even a simple web request can trigger the execution of malicious code.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," as it represents an attack against a publicly accessible web application interface. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable file upload functionality, implementing strict file type validation, and restricting web access to uploaded files. Additionally, regular security audits of web applications should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could lead to remote code execution vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper file handling and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those dealing with user-uploaded content.