CVE-2013-1668 in CosCMS
Summary
by MITRE
The uploadFile function in upload/index.php in CosCMS before 1.822 allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the name of an uploaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1668 represents a critical command injection flaw within the CosCMS content management system prior to version 1.822. This issue specifically targets the uploadFile function located in the upload/index.php file, which operates under the assumption that file uploads are safe and properly sanitized. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file names, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted file names containing shell metacharacters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of command injection attacks as classified by CWE-77 and CWE-94. When a remote administrator uploads a file, the system processes the filename without proper sanitization, allowing special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks to be interpreted as command delimiters or execution operators. This creates a scenario where an attacker can inject arbitrary commands that will be executed within the context of the web server's privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, install backdoors, modify system configurations, or even escalate privileges to root access depending on the server environment. The fact that this affects administrators specifically means that the attack vector requires authentication, but once achieved, it provides a powerful foothold for further exploitation and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as it exploits legitimate administrative access to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching to version 1.822 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of file names. Organizations should implement strict file name validation that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters, employ proper file extension checking, and utilize secure file handling practices. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should also be deployed to detect and prevent unauthorized file upload activities.