CVE-2009-3753 in Opial
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Opial 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension as a User Image, then accessing it via a request to the file in userimages, related to register.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The CVE-2009-3753 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Opial 1.0 content management system that exposes remote attackers to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the user image upload functionality, specifically in the register.php component. The flaw allows malicious actors to bypass security restrictions by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which are then stored in the userimages directory and subsequently accessible through direct web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a fundamental failure in the application's file validation process. When users attempt to register or update their profiles, the system accepts file uploads without proper extension checking, MIME type validation, or content inspection. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to upload web shells or other malicious payloads that can be executed within the context of the web server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests targeting the userimages directory, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no privileged access or complex exploitation techniques.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and full system compromise. The attack surface is significant as it affects any user registration functionality that processes image uploads, and the exploitation process is straightforward requiring only basic web application penetration testing skills. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-434 which categorizes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and botnets.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation, including strict file extension filtering, MIME type verification, and content-based file analysis. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload patterns, implement proper file upload restrictions by storing uploaded files outside the web root, and ensure that all file uploads undergo thorough security scanning. Additionally, the system should enforce proper access controls and implement file name sanitization to prevent directory traversal attacks. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, and the application should be updated to versions that address these specific file upload validation issues. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.