CVE-2012-10045 in XODA
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2025
XODA version 0.4.5 contains an unauthenticated file upload vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. The flaw resides in the upload functionality, which fails to properly validate or restrict uploaded file types. By crafting a multipart/form-data POST request, an attacker can upload a .php file directly into the web-accessible files/ directory and trigger its execution via a subsequent GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10045 affects XODA version 0.4.5 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's file upload mechanism. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type restrictions within the upload functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on the affected server. The vulnerability exists in the web application's handling of user-supplied files, specifically in the files/ directory where uploaded content becomes immediately accessible through web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper file validation checks during the upload process. Attackers can leverage multipart/form-data POST requests to bypass normal upload restrictions and successfully deposit malicious PHP files directly into the web-accessible directory structure. This flaw directly maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation of their content or type. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since no authentication is required to initiate the file upload process, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Once a malicious PHP file is successfully uploaded, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web application user. This creates a persistent backdoor that can be used for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering execution through command and scripting interpreters, as the PHP files can be executed through standard web requests.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive defensive measures. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict file type validation that checks both file extensions and MIME types against a whitelist of allowed formats. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory and renamed to prevent direct execution. The application should also implement proper authentication checks for upload functionality and consider implementing file content analysis to detect potentially malicious code patterns. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual upload patterns and regularly audit their file upload mechanisms to ensure compliance with security best practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense-in-depth approaches to web application security and highlights the necessity of implementing multiple layers of validation and access controls to prevent similar issues from occurring in production environments.