CVE-2008-7167 in Page Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in upload.php in Page Manager 2006-02-04 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 an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7167 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Page Manager version 2006-02-04 software. This vulnerability resides in the upload.php component and exposes systems to remote code execution attacks through a seemingly simple yet devastating mechanism. The flaw allows malicious actors to bypass normal file validation procedures and upload potentially harmful files with executable extensions directly to the web server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without proper input sanitization or file type verification, creating an attack surface where any uploaded file can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability exists in the context of web applications that fail to implement proper security controls around file upload functionality, making it a classic example of inadequate access control and input validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper file extension validation and content type checking within the upload.php script. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats and uploading them through the vulnerable interface. Once uploaded, these files are stored in an unspecified directory on the web server, making them directly accessible via HTTP requests. The vulnerability's design flaw lies in the lack of proper file validation mechanisms that should verify both the file extension and the actual content type against a whitelist of allowed formats. This weakness aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and represents a fundamental failure in secure file handling practices. The vulnerability's exploitation process follows a predictable pattern where the attacker uploads a malicious payload and then executes it by making direct HTTP requests to the uploaded file's location, effectively gaining remote code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-7167 extends far beyond simple data theft or disruption, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, or launch further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability's ability to execute arbitrary code through uploaded files creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for long-term system compromise. Organizations using vulnerable Page Manager installations face significant risks including data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges for exploitation and can be automated through various attack frameworks. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical weakness that could lead to complete system takeover, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7167 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict file type validation through a whitelist approach that only allows specific, safe file extensions and MIME types. Organizations should also implement proper file storage separation by ensuring uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory and are not directly executable. Additional security measures include implementing proper file content validation through magic number checking, using random file names to prevent path traversal attacks, and implementing proper access controls that prevent direct execution of uploaded files. The remediation process should also include regular security audits of file upload functionality and implementation of web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious upload attempts. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege for file upload operations and ensure that uploaded files are scanned for malware and suspicious content before being made available to the system. These measures align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which addresses the use of legitimate web services for file transfer and execution, and help establish a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy against file upload vulnerabilities.