CVE-2008-6930 in Real Estate
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in PHPStore Real Estate 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 realty/re_images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6930 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the PHPStore Real Estate web application that exposes organizations to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of logo uploads, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to bypass security controls and deploy malicious payloads. The flaw exists in the file validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file extensions, allowing attackers to upload files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which can then be executed on the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload functionality. When authenticated users upload logo files through the application's interface, the system does not sufficiently verify the file type or extension, relying instead on client-side checks or overly permissive server-side validation. This weakness creates a direct attack vector where malicious files can be uploaded to the server without proper security screening, particularly targeting the realty/re_images/ directory where uploaded files are stored. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-434, which addresses the improper restriction of file uploads, and represents a common pattern in web application security flaws where upload validation is bypassed through inadequate server-side controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to achieve remote code execution capabilities that can compromise entire web servers. Once a malicious file is successfully uploaded, attackers can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete server compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The direct access path through realty/re_images/ means that attackers can immediately execute their payloads by making simple HTTP requests to the uploaded files, eliminating the need for complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how unvalidated file uploads can serve as initial access vectors for broader compromise operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6930 require comprehensive implementation of multiple security controls to prevent unauthorized file uploads and execution. Organizations should implement strict file type validation by examining file signatures rather than relying solely on extension checks, as the vulnerability demonstrates the inadequacy of extension-based restrictions alone. The application must enforce proper file name sanitization and storage practices, including storing uploaded files outside the web root directory and implementing proper access controls. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious file upload patterns, while application-level controls must validate file content using MIME type checks and binary signature verification. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other upload functionalities, as this represents a common pattern that often appears in legacy web applications. The implementation of these controls directly addresses the underlying CWE-434 weakness and helps prevent the exploitation patterns associated with this vulnerability type, ensuring that file upload mechanisms properly validate and sanitize all incoming content before storage and execution.