CVE-2013-10038 in FlashChat
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2025
An unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in FlashChat versions 6.0.2 and 6.0.4 through 6.0.8. The upload.php endpoint fails to properly validate file types and authentication, allowing attackers to upload malicious PHP scripts. Once uploaded, these scripts can be executed remotely, resulting in arbitrary code execution as the web server user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-10038 represents a critical security flaw in FlashChat versions 6.0.2 and 6.0.4 through 6.0.8 that stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within the upload.php endpoint. This weakness enables attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files without requiring valid credentials, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the affected web application. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple security domains, including authentication bypass, file validation failures, and remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic insecure file upload vulnerability where the application fails to properly validate file extensions, MIME types, or content signatures before accepting uploads. The upload.php endpoint lacks proper authentication checks, meaning any remote attacker can access the upload functionality without presenting valid credentials. Additionally, the application does not implement robust file type validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to upload PHP scripts with extensions that bypass typical security filters. This combination of weak authentication and inadequate file validation creates a direct pathway for remote code execution, as the uploaded PHP files can be accessed and executed through the web server, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system with the privileges of the web server user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. Once a malicious PHP script is successfully uploaded, it can be executed by the web server, potentially enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or establishing backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring prior access to valid user credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the attack technique of web application exploitation and can be categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the execution and persistence phases, specifically mapping to techniques involving remote code execution and web shell deployment.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-434, which addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation. The flaw represents a significant risk to organizations running affected FlashChat versions, as it provides a clear attack vector for threat actors to gain unauthorized system access. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including restricting file upload capabilities, implementing strict file type validation, enforcing proper authentication controls, and conducting thorough security audits of all web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the SANS Institute's secure coding guidelines, which emphasize the need for proper input validation, authentication, and authorization controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in web applications.