CVE-2012-4472 in Drag
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in upload.php in the Drag & Drop Gallery module 6.x-1.5 and earlier for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a file with an executable extension followed by a safe extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the directory specified by the filedir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4472 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Drag & Drop Gallery module for Drupal version 6.x-1.5 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the upload.php script of the affected module, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability exploits the module's inadequate validation of uploaded files, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls through a specific technique involving file extensions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly sanitize file extensions during the upload process. Attackers can exploit this by crafting a file with an executable extension such as .php followed by a safe extension like .jpg, effectively creating a file that appears benign to the upload validation but retains executable capabilities. When the file is uploaded to the server, it gets stored in a directory specified by the filedir parameter, making it accessible via direct HTTP requests. This technique leverages the common practice of allowing certain file types while still permitting execution of code through carefully constructed filenames.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected Drupal installations. Remote attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the web application, as it allows attackers to upload malicious PHP scripts that can be executed by the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor capability, enabling attackers to maintain access and expand their control over the compromised system. The attack vector requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
Organizations affected by CVE-2012-4472 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of security patches provided by Drupal core team. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter." System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, directory permissions hardening, and file type validation at multiple layers of the application stack. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other modules and components of the Drupal installation. The incident highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices in web application development, particularly when dealing with user-supplied content and upload functionality.