CVE-2010-0993 in Pulse
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Pulse CMS Basic 1.2.2 and 1.2.3, and possibly Pulse Pro before 1.3.2, allows remote authenticated users 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 • 01/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0993 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Pulse CMS versions 1.2.2 and 1.2.3, with potential impacts extending to Pulse Pro versions prior to 1.3.2. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and file extension filtering mechanisms within the content management system's upload functionality. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-434, which specifically addresses the improper restriction of file uploads, making it a prime target for malicious exploitation. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass security controls by uploading malicious files with executable extensions, effectively creating a backdoor within the web application's file system.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the absence of proper file type validation and sanitization processes. When authenticated users upload files through the CMS interface, the system fails to adequately verify the file extensions or content types, permitting uploads of potentially dangerous file formats such as .php, .asp, or .jsp. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to place malicious code within the web root directory or other accessible locations, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This flaw creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access, as the uploaded files can be executed through direct HTTP requests to the file locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0993 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the file is manually removed or the system is patched. The unspecified directory access pattern suggests that the uploaded files may be placed in predictable locations within the web application's file structure, making exploitation more straightforward for attackers. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of unauthorized file uploads to establish persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing strict file type validation and content checking mechanisms that prevent the upload of executable files or scripts. Organizations should enforce whitelist-based file extension filtering, rejecting any file types not explicitly permitted for upload. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory and should not be executable by the web server. The implementation of proper access controls and file permissions, combined with regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, forms the foundation of effective defense against this class of attack. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately to all affected Pulse CMS versions to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that cannot be adequately mitigated through configuration changes alone.