CVE-2013-10054 in LibrettoCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2025
An unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in LibrettoCMS version 1.1.7 (and possibly earlier) contains an unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability in its File Manager plugin. The upload handler located at adm/ui/js/ckeditor/plugins/pgrfilemanager/php/upload.php fails to properly validate file extensions, allowing attackers to upload files with misleading extensions and subsequently rename them to executable .php scripts. This enables remote code execution on the server without authentication.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-10054 represents a critical security flaw in LibrettoCMS version 1.1.7 and potentially earlier releases, specifically within the File Manager plugin component. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly enforce file type restrictions during the upload process. The vulnerability exists in the upload handler located at adm/ui/js/ckeditor/plugins/pgrfilemanager/php/upload.php, which lacks adequate sanitization of file extensions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security controls. The flaw allows attackers to upload files with misleading extensions that appear benign but can be renamed to execute malicious code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the absence of proper file extension validation and content inspection mechanisms within the upload handler. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading files with non-executable extensions such as .jpg or .png and then renaming them to .php, thereby circumventing the intended file type restrictions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling that enables arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable system's web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to achieve remote code execution on the affected server. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious PHP script, they can execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature means that any user with access to the CMS administration interface can exploit this flaw, significantly expanding the potential attack surface. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning when considering the ATT&CK framework's technique T1190, which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application," as it represents a direct method for attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems through publicly exposed web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and implement comprehensive defensive measures. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict file type validation that checks both the file extension and MIME type against a whitelist of allowed file types, while also performing content inspection to verify that uploaded files match their claimed types. Organizations should also implement proper file naming conventions that prevent attackers from renaming files to executable extensions, and consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting write permissions on upload directories. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP's top ten security risks, particularly focusing on secure file handling and input validation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the CMS and prevent exploitation of similar flaws in the broader application ecosystem.