CVE-2008-6914 in ZEEPROPERTY
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in viewprofile.php in Zeeways ZEEPROPERTY 1.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a photo in a profile modification, then accessing a related file via a direct request to the file in companylogo/.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6914 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Zeeways ZEEPROPERTY 1.0 web application. This issue resides in the viewprofile.php script which handles user profile modifications, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets the profile photo upload functionality, where users can modify their personal information including profile pictures. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate file extensions or content, allowing malicious users to upload executable files with extensions that appear benign but are actually capable of executing code on the server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, a common pattern in web application security flaws that enables attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account within the ZEEPROPERTY system, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Attackers can leverage this weakness by uploading a malicious file with an executable extension such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which gets stored in the companylogo/ directory. Once uploaded, the attacker can directly request this file through a web browser or HTTP client, causing the server to execute the malicious code with the privileges of the web application. This creates a persistent backdoor that can be used for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or establishing further footholds within the network. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate file type checking mechanisms, which are fundamental security practices that should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6914 extends far beyond simple code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations using ZEEPROPERTY 1.0 may experience unauthorized access to user profiles, personal information, and potentially business-critical data stored within the application. The vulnerability enables attackers to maintain persistent access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for long-term operations. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a reliable method for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack can be executed through standard web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or extensive technical knowledge, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with less sophisticated security monitoring capabilities. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and legitimate user access as a means of maintaining access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security flaw and broader architectural issues within the web application. Organizations should implement strict file type validation that rejects executable extensions and performs content inspection to verify file integrity. The application should enforce proper access controls and file permissions that prevent uploaded files from being executed directly. Implementing a secure file upload mechanism that stores uploaded files outside the web root directory and uses randomized filenames can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the security gap that allows for arbitrary code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive logging of all file upload activities for security monitoring purposes.