CVE-2012-10038 in RateMyPet
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2025
Auxilium RateMyPet contains an unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability in upload_banners.php. The banner upload feature fails to validate file types or enforce authentication, allowing remote attackers to upload malicious PHP files. These files are stored in a web-accessible /banners/ directory and can be executed directly, resulting in remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The Auxilium RateMyPet application presents a critical security vulnerability through its upload_banners.php component that lacks proper input validation and authentication mechanisms. This flaw represents a classic example of insecure file upload functionality that directly enables remote code execution capabilities for unauthenticated attackers. The vulnerability exists within the banner upload feature where the application fails to implement any form of file type validation or access control measures, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security weaknesses including CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload handling, and CWE-285 which addresses insufficient authentication mechanisms. The technical implementation flaw allows attackers to bypass all security controls by directly uploading malicious PHP files through the unprotected upload_banners.php endpoint. The absence of file type validation means that attackers can upload executable code without restriction, while the lack of authentication enforcement permits any remote user to access this functionality without proper authorization. The uploaded files are subsequently stored in a web-accessible /banners/ directory, eliminating any server-side restrictions that might otherwise prevent execution of uploaded content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with a direct path to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Once successful, the attacker gains the ability to perform actions including but not limited to data exfiltration, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and persistence establishment. The remote code execution capability allows for complete system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to install backdoors, establish command and control channels, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability essentially transforms the application into a potential attack vector for broader network infiltration and lateral movement activities.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including but not limited to enforcing strict file type validation that only accepts legitimate image formats, implementing robust authentication controls for all file upload endpoints, and ensuring proper access controls for the upload directory. The application should be configured to store uploaded files outside of the web root or implement proper execution restrictions that prevent PHP files from being executed within the upload directory. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security scanning of uploaded files can help prevent exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to maintain access and execute commands. The remediation approach should follow security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure file upload implementations.