CVE-2013-10055 in Havalite
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2025
An unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in Havalite CMS version 1.1.7 (and possibly earlier) in the upload.php script. The application fails to enforce proper file extension validation and authentication checks, allowing remote attackers to upload malicious PHP files via a crafted multipart/form-data POST request. Once uploaded, the attacker can access the file directly under havalite/tmp/files/, resulting in remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-10055 represents a critical security flaw in Havalite CMS version 1.1.7 and potentially earlier releases, specifically within the upload.php script functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms that permit unauthorized users to bypass normal file upload restrictions. The flaw exists in the application's handling of multipart/form-data POST requests, where the system fails to properly validate file extensions or enforce authentication requirements before processing uploaded content. This allows malicious actors to submit files without proper authorization, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the target environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper file type validation checks within the upload.php script, combined with insufficient authentication verification processes. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious POST requests that include PHP files with extensions such as .php, .phtml, or other executable formats. The system's failure to implement robust file extension filtering means that even if a user attempts to upload a file with a restricted extension, the application may still accept and process the upload. Additionally, the lack of authentication enforcement allows unauthenticated users to access the upload functionality, eliminating any barriers that might otherwise prevent unauthorized file operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file upload capabilities, as it directly enables remote code execution within the compromised system. Once a malicious PHP file is successfully uploaded to the havalite/tmp/files/ directory, attackers can access and execute the payload directly through web requests. This creates a persistent backdoor or command execution mechanism that allows threat actors to gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and authentication controls within the file upload functionality. Organizations should enforce strict file extension validation that rejects executable file types and implements whitelisting approaches for allowed extensions. The system must also implement mandatory authentication checks before allowing any file upload operations to occur. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored in non-executable directories or have their execution permissions removed to prevent direct access to malicious payloads. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in various security frameworks. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities is well-documented in ATT&CK framework under techniques related to initial access and execution, specifically targeting web application exploitation methods.