CVE-2008-6929 in Auto Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in PHPStore Auto Classifieds allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a logo, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in cars/cars_images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6929 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the PHPStore Auto Classifieds web application. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types accepted during the upload process. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's logo upload functionality, where authenticated users can bypass normal file type restrictions by uploading malicious files with executable extensions. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement proper file extension validation, content type checking, or secure file storage practices, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with common web application security weaknesses categorized under CWE-434. Attackers with valid user credentials can leverage this flaw by uploading a specially crafted file with an executable extension such as .php, .asp, or .jsp to the designated logo upload area. The uploaded file is subsequently stored in the cars/cars_images/ directory, making it directly accessible via web requests. This direct access capability transforms what might initially appear as a simple file upload vulnerability into a remote code execution vector, as the web server processes and executes the uploaded file as legitimate content. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Upload Malicious Content" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript", as it enables attackers to deploy and execute malicious scripts on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Successful exploitation allows attackers to establish persistent access, deploy backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application and underlying system, as attackers can modify or delete critical application files, inject malicious code into legitimate processes, and disrupt normal business operations. Organizations utilizing this vulnerable software face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive user data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive layers to address both the root cause and potential exploitation pathways. The primary remediation involves implementing strict file type validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject executable file uploads regardless of their extension or content type. Organizations should enforce secure file upload practices by validating file extensions against a whitelist of approved formats, implementing proper file content checking, and storing uploaded files outside the web root directory. Additional security measures include restricting file upload permissions, implementing proper access controls, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious upload requests. The solution approach should align with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing the importance of defense in depth strategies that combine technical controls with proper security governance and incident response procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other application components.