CVE-2008-6944 in Auto Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ScriptsFeed Auto Classifieds allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a profile logo, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in cars_images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6944 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the ScriptsFeed Auto Classifieds platform that enables remote authenticated attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of file uploads, particularly when users attempt to upload profile logos with executable extensions. The flaw allows malicious actors who have authenticated access to the system to bypass security controls and upload malicious files that can be executed on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate user authentication mechanisms to gain access to the file upload functionality, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload process. When users upload profile logos, the application fails to properly verify the file type or extension, allowing attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats. The uploaded files are stored in the cars_images/ directory, which is accessible via direct web requests. This means that once a malicious file is successfully uploaded, an attacker can simply request the file directly through the web server to execute the code. The vulnerability specifically targets the profile logo upload functionality, which typically accepts image files but does not properly validate the actual content or file type, allowing executable code to be disguised as legitimate image files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An authenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The attack vector requires only legitimate user authentication, which means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability even when they have limited access to the system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the application and underlying infrastructure, as malicious code execution can result in data corruption, unauthorized access, and service disruption. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for long-term compromise.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6944 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices. Organizations should implement strict file type validation that checks both the file extension and actual file content using MIME type verification and file signature analysis. The application should reject any file that does not conform to expected image formats such as jpeg, png, or gif, regardless of the extension provided by the user. File uploads should be stored in non-executable directories with proper access controls, and uploaded files should be renamed using a random or unique identifier to prevent direct access by attackers. Additionally, the web server configuration should be adjusted to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes unrestricted file upload, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can execute code through uploaded files. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure comprehensive protection against file upload attacks.