CVE-2011-3833 in Support Incident Tracker
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ftp_upload_file.php in Support Incident Tracker (aka SiT!) 3.65 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a PHP file, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3833 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Support Incident Tracker (SiT!) version 3.65 web application. This vulnerability exists in the ftp_upload_file.php component and specifically affects authenticated users who possess the ability to upload files through the application's interface. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types and contents during the upload process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload PHP files with malicious code embedded within them, effectively enabling remote code execution capabilities. When users authenticate to the SiT! application and utilize the file upload functionality, the system does not adequately validate the file extensions, content types, or file contents to ensure they conform to safe parameters. This lack of proper validation permits the upload of executable PHP scripts that can be stored in an unspecified directory within the web server's file system. Once uploaded, these malicious files can be directly accessed through HTTP requests, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target environment. According to the CWE catalog, this vulnerability maps to CWE-434 which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous high-profile attacks. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 tactic for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" where attackers leverage compromised web applications to execute malicious code. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of backdoors for continued access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a version that resolves the file upload validation issues. Additionally, implementing proper file type restrictions, content validation, and secure file storage practices are essential. The web server configuration should be adjusted to prevent execution of PHP files in upload directories, and proper access controls should be enforced to limit file upload capabilities to only authorized users with legitimate business requirements. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious file upload activities and direct access attempts to uploaded files. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's attack surface.