CVE-2008-6902 in 2532gigs
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in upload_flyer.php in 2532designs 2532|Gigs 1.2.2 Stable allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in flyers/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6902 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the 2532designs 2532|Gigs 1.2.2 Stable web application. This vulnerability exists in the upload_flyer.php script which handles file uploads for flyer content. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types and extensions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions directly to the flyers/ directory where the uploaded files are stored. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and dangerous security flaw that has been consistently referenced in security frameworks and threat intelligence databases. This particular vulnerability allows for remote code execution, which represents one of the most severe consequences in web application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes file uploads without proper validation of file content or extension filtering. The upload_flyer.php script does not verify whether uploaded files are legitimate images or other expected file types, instead accepting any file that meets basic upload criteria. This lack of proper file type checking enables attackers to bypass security measures by uploading files with executable extensions that will be interpreted by the web server. When the malicious file is uploaded to the flyers/ directory, it becomes directly accessible via HTTP requests, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP POST requests that include the malicious file content, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as it provides attackers with full remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability allows for persistent access to the compromised system, enabling attackers to establish backdoors, install additional malware, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The implications are particularly severe for web applications hosting user-generated content, as this vulnerability directly enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to server resources and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers the use of unauthorized code execution through web shells or similar mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6902 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive controls to prevent successful exploitation. The primary remediation involves implementing strict file type validation that checks both file extensions and MIME types against a whitelist of allowed formats. All uploaded files should be validated using multiple methods including content inspection, extension filtering, and file header verification to ensure they match expected file types. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory or configured with proper access controls that prevent direct execution of uploaded content. The application should also implement proper file naming conventions that obscure the original file names and avoid predictable paths. Security measures should include disabling script execution in upload directories, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that uploaded files are scanned for malicious content. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The remediation process must align with security best practices established by standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the importance of input validation and access control measures to prevent unauthorized code execution. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other application components.