CVE-2008-6932 in SendIt
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in submit_file.php in AlstraSoft SendIt Pro allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in send/files/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6932 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the AlstraSoft SendIt Pro web application. This weakness resides in the submit_file.php script which fails to properly validate file extensions and content before storing uploaded files on the server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and lack of proper file type verification mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the system. The flaw specifically affects the file upload functionality that processes user submissions and stores them in the send/files/ directory structure, creating a persistent threat vector for attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a straightforward yet dangerous methodology. Attackers can upload executable files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions that the web application accepts without proper validation. Once uploaded, these malicious files become accessible through direct HTTP requests to the specific file paths within the send/files/ directory. This allows remote code execution capabilities where attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable server, effectively gaining control over the web application and potentially the underlying operating system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which defines unrestricted file upload as a weakness where the application accepts untrusted data and stores it without proper validation, creating a pathway for malicious file execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6932 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it enables complete system takeover through remote code execution. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can deploy web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that persist across server reboots and remain undetected for extended periods. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web application and potentially the entire network infrastructure if the server is not properly isolated. Organizations using AlstraSoft SendIt Pro become vulnerable to various attack vectors including data exfiltration, service disruption, and lateral movement within the network. The flaw also creates persistent threat opportunities where attackers can establish footholds for further reconnaissance and exploitation of other systems within the organization's attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6932 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive layers to address the core vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file extension validation that rejects executable and potentially dangerous file types, while also implementing proper file content verification through MIME type checking and file signature validation. The web application should enforce secure file storage practices by using randomized filenames, storing uploaded files outside the web root directory, and implementing proper file permissions that prevent execution of uploaded content. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities and direct access attempts to the upload directories. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to achieve initial access and persistence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security controls and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent such critical flaws from being exploited in production environments.