CVE-2012-1153 in appRain
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in addons/uploadify/uploadify.php in appRain CMF 0.1.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in the uploads directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The CVE-2012-1153 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the appRain Content Management Framework version 0.1.5 and earlier systems. This vulnerability exists in the uploadify.php script located within the addons/uploadify directory structure, creating a dangerous pathway for remote attackers to compromise affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types during the upload process, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the server.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which specifically addresses the insecure upload of code or files that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to upload files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is not properly validated or filtered before being stored on the server filesystem, creating a direct path to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. Attackers can upload malicious web shells, backdoors, or other exploit payloads that persist on the server and provide ongoing access to the compromised environment. The direct request access mechanism means that once a malicious file is uploaded, it can be executed immediately by simply requesting the file path, eliminating the need for additional exploitation steps. This vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can also serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration and lateral movement attacks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and persistent access capabilities. Organizations using affected versions of appRain CMF face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers of varying expertise levels. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK framework's T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it enables both application exploitation and command execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1153 should include immediate application patching to the latest available version of appRain CMF that addresses the file upload validation issue. Organizations must implement robust file type validation mechanisms that enforce strict whitelisting of acceptable file extensions and MIME types. The upload directory should be configured with appropriate permissions that prevent execution of uploaded files, and all uploaded content should be scanned for malicious patterns or signatures. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other application components and dependencies.