CVE-2008-7062 in LoveCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/index.php in Download Manager module 1.0 for LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final 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 uploads/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-7062 represents a critical security flaw in the Download Manager module version 1.0 for LoveCMS 1.6.2 Final. This unrestricted file upload vulnerability exists within the administrative interface at admin/index.php, creating a pathway for remote attackers to compromise the affected system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types allowed for upload operations, particularly permitting files with executable extensions to be successfully uploaded to the server's upload directory.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a straightforward yet dangerous methodology. Attackers can upload malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp to the server's upload directory through the vulnerable admin interface. Once the malicious file is successfully uploaded, attackers can execute arbitrary code by making direct HTTP requests to the uploaded file's location within the uploads/ directory. This creates a persistent backdoor or command execution capability that allows attackers to gain full control over the compromised system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the uploaded malicious files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once executed, malicious code can be used to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects the entire web application stack, as it allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls that might exist at the network perimeter. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability exists within the administrative module, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions. Organizations running this vulnerable version of LoveCMS face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations, as the vulnerability enables attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a patched version of LoveCMS that properly validates and sanitizes file uploads. Organizations should implement strict file type validation that rejects executable extensions and employs content-based file type checking rather than relying solely on file extensions. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file upload restrictions such as storing uploaded files outside the web root directory, using randomized filenames, and implementing mandatory file content verification. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices including input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards.