CVE-2012-10052 in EGallery
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2025
EGallery version 1.2 contains an unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the uploadify.php script. The application fails to validate file types or enforce authentication, allowing remote attackers to upload malicious PHP files directly into the web-accessible egallery/ directory. This results in full remote code execution under the web server context.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10052 affects EGallery version 1.2 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's file upload functionality. This issue resides within the uploadify.php script which lacks proper input validation and authentication mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system without requiring any credentials or authorization. The vulnerability is classified as an unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability, which falls under the CWE-434 category of "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter."
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate file types during the upload process and the absence of authentication checks within the uploadify.php script. When users submit files through the upload interface, the application does not verify the file extensions, MIME types, or content signatures to ensure that only safe file types are accepted. This lack of validation allows attackers to upload malicious PHP files directly to the web-accessible egallery/ directory, bypassing all security controls that should normally prevent such operations. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor within the web application's file system, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected systems. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious PHP file, they gain full remote code execution capabilities within the web server context, which typically runs with elevated privileges. This allows the attacker to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to executing system commands, accessing sensitive data, establishing persistent access, and potentially escalating privileges to gain administrative control over the server. The vulnerability also enables attackers to use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against internal network resources, making it a significant threat to overall network security. The web server context execution means that any data processed by the application, including user information and potentially database credentials, becomes accessible to the attacker.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-10052 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper file type validation and authentication checks within the uploadify.php script, ensuring that only specific, safe file extensions are accepted and that all upload operations require proper authentication. Additionally, the uploaded files should be stored outside the web root directory or at minimum, the uploaded files should not be executable. Organizations should also implement proper access controls, file content verification, and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly focusing on input validation and access control measures. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems.