CVE-2009-3182 in Gazelle CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/editor/filemanager/browser.html in Anantasoft Gazelle CMS 1.0 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 user/File/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3182 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Anantasoft Gazelle CMS 1.0 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the administrative file management interface located at admin/editor/filemanager/browser.html, which provides users with the ability to upload files to the system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types during the upload process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and deploy potentially harmful content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses the issue of unrestricted file upload or file inclusion vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions directly to the user/File/ directory. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the application does not adequately validate the file type or content, allowing attackers to place malicious code within the web root directory where it can be executed by the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor or execution point that can be leveraged for further compromise of the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web server process. This allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the potential establishment of persistent access. The vulnerability can be exploited through a straightforward attack vector where an attacker uploads a malicious file containing shell commands or web shells, then accesses the file directly through a web browser or automated tools. The direct request path to user/File/ ensures that any uploaded file becomes immediately accessible to unauthorized users, eliminating the need for additional reconnaissance or privilege escalation steps.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and script interpreter. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance of the web application followed by exploitation of the file upload vulnerability to gain initial access. The remediation approach should focus on implementing robust file validation mechanisms that enforce strict content type checking and reject files with dangerous extensions. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization, enforce file extension whitelisting, and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, proper access controls and regular security audits should be implemented to detect and prevent unauthorized file uploads. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of defense in depth strategies and proper secure coding practices that prevent such fundamental flaws from existing in web applications.