CVE-2010-2153 in TCExam
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/code/tce_functions_tcecode_editor.php in TCExam 10.1.006 and 10.1.007 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 cache/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2153 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the TCExam web application version 10.1.006 and 10.1.007. This security weakness exists in the administrative code component located at admin/code/tce_functions_tcecode_editor.php, which fails to properly validate file extensions and content during the upload process. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files with executable extensions directly to the server's cache directory, creating a significant attack surface for code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the file upload functionality. When users upload files through the code editor interface, the application does not perform sufficient checks to verify that uploaded files conform to expected file types or contain malicious code. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation of file type, content, or extension. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative section of TCExam, which typically requires elevated privileges to access, making the potential impact even more severe.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads that persist on the server. Once uploaded, these files can be accessed directly through a URL request to the cache directory, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This creates a persistent backdoor that can be used for data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct path to compromise the entire web application server and potentially the underlying network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing TCExam versions 10.1.006 and 10.1.007 face significant risk from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted users or external networks. The attack vector requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists in the administrative code handling, which may be accessible to authenticated users with limited permissions. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through compromised web applications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to the latest TCExam version, implementation of strict file type validation, removal of executable permissions from upload directories, and comprehensive network monitoring to detect suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.