CVE-2012-10042 in Sflog
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2025
Sflog! CMS 1.0 contains an authenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the blog management interface. The application ships with default credentials (admin:secret) and allows authenticated users to upload files via manage.php. The upload mechanism fails to validate file types, enabling attackers to upload a PHP backdoor into a web-accessible directory (blogs/download/uploads/). Once uploaded, the file can be executed remotely, resulting in full remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10042 affects Sflog! CMS version 1.0 and represents a critical security flaw that combines multiple exploitation vectors to enable remote code execution. This vulnerability exists within the blog management interface where authenticated users can upload files through the manage.php endpoint, making it particularly dangerous as it requires only basic authentication credentials to exploit. The application ships with default credentials consisting of admin:secret, which significantly increases the attack surface as many administrators fail to change these defaults. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the file upload mechanism, specifically the absence of proper file type verification and content inspection.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to bypass security controls by uploading malicious PHP files directly to a web-accessible directory located at blogs/download/uploads/. This directory structure provides a direct path for executing uploaded files through the web server, eliminating the need for additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is classified as an authenticated arbitrary file upload issue, which maps directly to CWE-434, representing a well-known weakness in software security where applications fail to validate or restrict file uploads to prevent execution of malicious content. The lack of file type checking and content validation creates a pathway for attackers to upload backdoor files that can be executed through standard web requests, enabling complete compromise of the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once an attacker successfully uploads a PHP backdoor, they can execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process, typically resulting in complete system control. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent access. The default credentials make this vulnerability particularly attractive to automated exploitation tools, as the initial authentication barrier is minimal. The web-accessible upload directory provides an immediate execution path that eliminates the need for additional attack vectors, making this a highly effective exploitation target.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-10042 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices within the affected environment. The primary recommendation involves implementing proper file type validation and content inspection mechanisms within the file upload functionality, ensuring that only safe file types are accepted and that file contents are verified against expected formats. Organizations should enforce strict access controls and implement multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. The default credentials should be immediately changed and security policies should mandate credential rotation and strong password requirements. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense layers, while regular security audits and penetration testing help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include and T1059.007 for scripting, demonstrating how this flaw can be leveraged for post-exploitation activities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in web applications handling user uploads, and serves as a reminder of the persistent risks associated with default credentials in widely deployed software solutions.