CVE-2008-6943 in Recipes Listing Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ScriptsFeed Recipes Listing Portal allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a recipe photo, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in pictures/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The CVE-2008-6943 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the ScriptsFeed Recipes Listing Portal application that fundamentally compromises the system's security posture. This vulnerability exists in the file upload functionality designed for recipe photos, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file extensions and content before storing uploaded files. The flaw specifically affects authenticated users who can leverage their credentials to upload malicious files, transforming what should be a simple image upload feature into a potential backdoor for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling process. When users upload recipe photos, the system does not enforce strict file type restrictions or perform content analysis to verify that uploaded files conform to expected image formats. This allows malicious actors to bypass normal upload restrictions by naming executable files with common image extensions such as .jpg, .png, or .gif, or by exploiting the application's failure to properly validate file headers. The vulnerability creates a direct path for code execution because uploaded files are stored in the pictures/ directory and remain accessible via direct web requests, eliminating the need for additional attack vectors to reach the malicious payload.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file storage, as it provides attackers with persistent remote code execution capabilities within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file with an executable extension, they can execute arbitrary code on the server by simply requesting the file through the pictures/ directory. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, which means that legitimate users with valid credentials can exploit this flaw, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected within the system for extended periods.
Security practitioners should address this vulnerability through comprehensive input validation and file type restriction mechanisms. The most effective mitigation strategies include implementing strict file extension whitelisting, performing MIME type validation, and ensuring that uploaded files are stored in directories that are not directly accessible via web requests. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and regularly audit file upload functionality to prevent similar issues. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter." The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper input validation in preventing privilege escalation and remote code execution attacks.