CVE-2012-10050 in CuteFlow
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2025
CuteFlow version 2.11.2 and earlier contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the restart_circulation_values_write.php script. The application fails to validate or restrict uploaded file types, allowing unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary PHP files to the upload/___1/ directory. These files are then accessible via the web server, enabling remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The CVE-2012-10050 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw in CuteFlow version 2.11.2 and earlier installations that directly enables remote code execution capabilities for unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability resides within the restart_circulation_values_write.php script, which processes file uploads without implementing proper validation mechanisms to restrict file types or content. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and access control measures that are essential for web application security. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to upload malicious PHP files to the upload/___1/ directory, which are subsequently served by the web server, creating an immediate execution environment for attacker-controlled code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses insecure file upload handling in web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload PHP shell scripts or other malicious payloads that will be executed with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal and file upload issue that enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, as the flaw does not require any valid credentials to exploit. The web server's configuration allows direct access to the upload directory, making the uploaded files immediately executable and accessible to remote users. This represents a severe violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical gap in the application's security architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-10050 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations using CuteFlow version 2.11.2 or earlier, which may include various web applications and content management systems that rely on this component. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the uploaded files to execute shell commands and establish further footholds within networks.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves multiple layers of security controls that address both immediate and long-term protection requirements. Organizations must immediately upgrade to CuteFlow versions that have addressed this vulnerability through proper input validation and file type restriction mechanisms. The implementation of file type validation, including MIME type checking and extension filtering, is essential to prevent the upload of executable scripts. Additionally, the upload directory should be configured to prevent direct web access, and all uploaded files should be scanned for malicious content before being processed. Security measures should also include regular security assessments, input sanitization, and proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to application components. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against file upload attacks.