CVE-2011-4334 in LabWiki
Summary
by MITRE
edit.php in LabWiki 1.1 and earlier does not properly verify uploaded user files, which allows remote authenticated users to upload arbitrary PHP files via a PHP file with a .gif extension in the userfile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4334 resides within LabWiki version 1.1 and earlier, specifically in the edit.php component that handles user file uploads. This flaw represents a classic file upload validation bypass issue that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and file extension verification mechanisms within the application's file upload handler, creating a pathway for malicious file execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental security weakness in the file type validation process. Attackers can upload malicious PHP files that are disguised with .gif extensions, effectively bypassing the application's intended file type restrictions. This occurs because the system performs insufficient validation checks on file content rather than relying solely on file extensions, allowing the upload of PHP code that will be executed by the web server. The userfile parameter in the edit.php script serves as the primary attack vector, where the application fails to properly validate the actual file content against its declared extension.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for LabWiki installations, as it allows authenticated users to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire web server. The attack requires only a valid user account, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user access is not strictly controlled. Once exploited, the malicious PHP files can be executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling attackers to perform arbitrary file operations, execute system commands, or establish persistent access to the affected system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration and lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which addresses the insecure upload of files with dangerous types, and represents a common pattern in web application security flaws. This issue also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for executing malicious code and T1078 for gaining legitimate access to systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including strict file type validation, content-based file verification, and proper file upload restrictions. The recommended approach involves implementing multiple validation layers, including MIME type checking, file content analysis, and enforcing strict upload directories with restricted permissions. Additionally, the application should implement proper input sanitization and employ a whitelist-based approach for acceptable file types rather than relying on blacklisting methods that can be easily bypassed.