CVE-2012-6498 in Atomymaxsite
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in index.php in Atomymaxsite 2.5 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, as exploited in the wild in October 2012.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6498 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the Atomymaxsite content management system version 2.5 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the index.php file and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and file handling mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions and upload malicious files with executable extensions directly to the web server. The vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during October 2012, indicating its significance and the immediate threat it posed to web applications utilizing this CMS. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages a common web application weakness that has been documented across numerous security frameworks and standards.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file uploads within the Atomymaxsite application. When users attempt to upload files through the index.php interface, the application fails to properly verify the file type, extension, or content before storing the file on the server. This lack of proper sanitization creates an opportunity for attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that can be directly executed by the web server. The vulnerability specifically targets the absence of proper file type checking and directory restrictions that should prevent the execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. This flaw aligns with CWE-434 which categorizes unrestricted file upload as a dangerous practice that can lead to arbitrary code execution, and it represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can compromise application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying server infrastructure. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The direct request access mechanism means that attackers do not need complex exploitation techniques or additional vulnerabilities to achieve their goals. The vulnerability can result in data theft, service disruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and establishment of backdoors for continued access. In the context of the 2012 exploitation timeframe, this vulnerability was particularly effective because many organizations had not yet implemented proper file upload restrictions or web application firewalls. The attack pattern follows the typical adversary tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 category for Exploit Public-Facing Application, demonstrating how attackers leverage known vulnerabilities to gain initial access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6498 must address both the immediate vulnerability and establish long-term security practices for file upload handling. Organizations should implement strict file type validation that checks not only file extensions but also MIME types and file content signatures to prevent executable file uploads. The recommended approach includes storing uploaded files outside of the web root directory, implementing proper file name sanitization, and using unique file names to prevent path traversal attacks. Security controls should enforce file size limits and implement content analysis to detect potentially malicious file characteristics. Additionally, organizations must ensure that all web applications are regularly updated and patched, as this vulnerability was resolved in later versions of the Atomymaxsite software. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security assessments should include testing for similar upload vulnerabilities across all web applications. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles, addressing the root cause of inadequate input validation and secure coding practices that led to this vulnerability.