CVE-2008-6769 in YourPlace
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in upload.php in YourPlace 1.0.2 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6769 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the YourPlace 1.0.2 content management system and earlier versions. This weakness resides within the upload.php script which fails to properly validate file extensions and content, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who possess legitimate credentials to the system, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing user privileges to escalate attacks. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to upload malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which can then be executed directly through web requests to the uploaded files.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of executable code. The root cause lies in the absence of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload process. The system fails to implement adequate checks on file extensions, MIME types, or file content, allowing attackers to upload files that appear legitimate but contain malicious payloads. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server without requiring physical access or additional system compromises. The attack vector requires only that an authenticated user upload a malicious file, then access it through direct web requests, making the exploitation relatively straightforward and accessible to threat actors with basic privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling full system compromise and persistent access. Once an attacker successfully uploads and executes malicious code, they can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat since uploaded files remain accessible until manually deleted, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised system. This flaw particularly affects web applications that rely on user-generated content, making it a significant concern for content management systems, forums, and any platform that permits file uploads. The security implications are further amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects versions predating proper security hardening practices, indicating a lack of security awareness in the application's development lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6769 require comprehensive implementation of multiple security controls to prevent unauthorized file uploads. Organizations should immediately implement strict file extension validation, rejecting uploads of executable extensions and implementing whitelisting approaches for allowed file types. The system must enforce proper MIME type checking and content validation to ensure uploaded files match their claimed extensions. Server-side restrictions should include placing uploaded files outside the web root directory or implementing proper access controls to prevent direct execution of uploaded content. Security measures should also include regular security audits, input validation improvements, and comprehensive application security testing. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage application weaknesses to gain unauthorized access. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious file upload activities and establish incident response procedures for rapid remediation of such vulnerabilities. Regular patch management and security updates are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in legacy applications.