CVE-2011-5077 in HDWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in attachement.php in HDWiki 5.0 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 image directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2019
The CVE-2011-5077 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in HDWiki 5.0's attachment.php component that enables remote code execution through malicious file uploads. This vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to bypass normal file validation mechanisms and upload executable files with extensions that are typically restricted. The flaw specifically affects the image directory handling within the wiki platform, where uploaded files are stored and subsequently accessible via direct web requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file upload parameters, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of weak file extension validation logic within the attachment.php script. Attackers can upload files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions that will be processed by the web server. Once uploaded to the image directory, these files become directly accessible through web requests, allowing the attacker to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types, making it a well-documented pattern of insecure file handling in web applications. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of malicious file uploads to establish persistence and execute code on compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5077 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain persistent access to the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and use of the compromised server as a launch point for attacking other network resources. The vulnerability affects organizations using HDWiki 5.0 who may have limited security controls in place, making them particularly susceptible to automated exploitation attempts. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network, making it a highly attractive target for automated attack bots and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5077 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should implement strict file type validation by maintaining an allowlist of permitted file extensions and MIME types rather than relying on denylists. The system should enforce proper file name sanitization and store uploaded files outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, implementing content validation checks, file size limits, and regular security audits of file upload functionality can significantly reduce exploitation risks. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards, particularly in preventing insecure file handling and ensuring proper input validation mechanisms are in place to protect against similar classes of vulnerabilities.