CVE-2008-6931 in PHPCareers
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in PHPStore Job Search (aka PHPCareers) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a resume photo, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in jobseekers/jobseeker_profile_images.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6931 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within PHPStore Job Search, also known as PHPCareers, a web-based job searching platform. This security weakness specifically affects authenticated users who possess the ability to upload resume photographs to their job seeker profiles. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types during the upload process, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain remote code execution capabilities. The flaw exists within the jobseekers/jobseeker_profile_images directory structure, where uploaded files are stored without proper security controls to prevent execution of malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions by uploading files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which are typically blocked by security policies. When users upload these malicious files as their profile photographs, the system stores them in the designated image directory without proper validation of file content or extension. This creates a scenario where the web server treats the uploaded file as executable content rather than a simple image, enabling remote code execution when the file is accessed through direct HTTP requests to the stored file path. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insufficient validation of file types and content, which directly correlates to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of executable code. The attack vector specifically targets the file upload functionality within the jobseeker profile management system, exploiting the lack of proper file type verification and content analysis mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An authenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to upload malicious web shells or backdoor scripts, which then become accessible through direct file requests to the jobseekers/jobseeker_profile_images directory. This provides persistent access to the compromised system, enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and further network reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application's data and resources, as attackers can manipulate the system to serve malicious content to other users or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This represents a significant risk to organizations using the PHPCareers platform, as it allows unauthorized individuals to gain persistent access to sensitive job seeker information and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The attack can be executed with minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with basic knowledge of web application security principles.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6931 must address both the immediate vulnerability and implement comprehensive security controls to prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should implement strict file type validation mechanisms that reject any files with executable extensions, regardless of the file name or content. The system should perform thorough content analysis to verify that uploaded files match their claimed file types, using techniques such as MIME type checking and file signature verification. All uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory, and any uploaded content should be renamed to random strings to prevent direct access. Implementing proper access controls and authentication checks for file upload functionality is essential, as the vulnerability requires authenticated access to exploit. Security measures should include input sanitization, output encoding, and proper file handling procedures that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in web applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against file upload attacks, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring of file upload activities to detect suspicious behavior patterns.