CVE-2008-6913 in ZEEJOBSITE
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in editresume_next.php in Zeeways ZEEJOBSITE 2.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a photo in a profile edit action, then accessing the file via a direct request to jobseekers/logos/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6913 represents a critical security flaw in the Zeeways ZEEJOBSITE 2.0 web application that enables authenticated attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution through unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability exists within the editresume_next.php script which handles profile modification functionality for job seekers within the platform. The flaw specifically manifests when users upload profile photographs, creating a pathway for malicious file uploads that bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid credentials can exploit this weakness without needing administrative privileges or special attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload processing mechanism. When users attempt to upload profile images through the editresume_next.php endpoint, the application fails to properly validate the file extensions or content types of uploaded files. This allows attackers to upload files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp that can be executed on the web server. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the fact that uploaded files are stored in the jobseekers/logos/ directory with predictable paths, making it straightforward for attackers to execute their malicious payloads by directly accessing the uploaded files through web requests. This type of vulnerability is categorized as CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently identified in security assessments and penetration testing activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server through the execution of arbitrary code. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute commands on the server with the privileges of the web application user, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, deface the website, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other systems. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-reward exploitation opportunity since it requires only basic web application authentication and does not depend on complex exploit chains or zero-day vulnerabilities. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application tactic, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve implementing comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms that enforce strict content type checking and file extension restrictions. Organizations should implement whitelisting approaches for allowed file types and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, proper input sanitization and file content verification should be implemented to detect and reject potentially malicious files regardless of their extensions. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper file permission settings can further reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, as this type of flaw is commonly found in legacy web applications that have not undergone proper security hardening. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper access controls to prevent authenticated users from performing unauthorized operations within web applications.