CVE-2008-7052 in Pre Real Estate Listings
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in profile.php in Pre Projects Pre Real Estate Listings 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 re_images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7052 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Pre Projects Pre Real Estate Listings web application. This issue exists in the profile.php script which handles user profile management functionality, specifically allowing authenticated users to upload profile logos. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file extension filtering mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied file names and content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which are then stored in the re_images/ directory and made accessible via direct web requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with CWE-434, which categorizes unrestricted file upload as a significant security weakness. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass normal file validation processes by manipulating the file upload interface to include executable code within the uploaded profile logo. When the malicious file is stored in the re_images/ directory, it becomes directly accessible through web requests, enabling remote code execution capabilities. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, creating a persistent backdoor for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, which can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, as attackers can modify or delete existing files, inject malicious content, or establish persistent access points. This flaw particularly impacts the application's security posture by creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data theft, or as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to user data privacy and business continuity, as unauthorized individuals can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7052 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves implementing strict file type validation that rejects executable file extensions and enforces content-based verification of uploaded files. Organizations should implement proper file naming conventions that strip or modify executable extensions from uploaded files, and store uploaded files outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. The implementation of Content Security Policies and proper access controls around the re_images/ directory can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, the system should employ file type detection using magic number verification rather than relying solely on file extensions, and implement proper logging and monitoring of file upload activities to detect anomalous behavior. These measures align with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for avoiding signature-based detection and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, providing comprehensive protection against similar exploitation patterns.