CVE-2013-4898 in Timeline
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the user profile page feature in the Timeline Plugin 4.2.5p9 for SocialEngine allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in public/temporary/timeline/.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2025
The CVE-2013-4898 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the Timeline Plugin version 4.2.5p9 for SocialEngine platforms. This vulnerability exists in the user profile page feature of the plugin, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this social networking software. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass file validation mechanisms and upload malicious files with executable extensions directly to the server. The vulnerability specifically affects the public/temporary/timeline/ directory structure, which serves as the default storage location for uploaded files. This creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks where attackers can upload web shells or other malicious executables and subsequently access them through direct HTTP requests to the temporary file locations. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload functionality, allowing attackers to manipulate file extensions and bypass security controls designed to prevent the upload of dangerous file types.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first authenticate to the SocialEngine platform, which lowers the initial access barrier compared to completely unauthenticated attacks. However, the impact remains severe as authenticated users can leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to the server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include attacks. The attacker's workflow involves uploading a malicious file with an extension that appears legitimate but executes code when accessed, such as .php, .asp, or .jsp files. The temporary directory structure provides an ideal location for exploitation since these directories are often configured with permissive access controls and may not be properly secured against direct file access. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that these temporary directories are typically not protected by the same security measures applied to core application directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4898 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious code, they can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the entire SocialEngine ecosystem, potentially compromising multiple user accounts and exposing sensitive data stored within the platform. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to user profiles, private communications, and potentially corporate data if the platform hosts sensitive information. The attack vector also enables the deployment of botnet components or cryptocurrency miners, creating additional operational risks. Furthermore, the vulnerability can be exploited to create a foothold for more sophisticated attacks, including credential theft, data exfiltration, and establishment of command and control channels. The long-term implications include potential regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses due to system compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4898 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to prevent exploitation. Organizations should implement strict file type validation mechanisms that reject executable extensions and enforce content-based file verification rather than relying solely on file extensions. The temporary directory structure must be secured through proper access controls, ensuring that uploaded files cannot be directly executed through web requests. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious file upload patterns and direct access attempts to temporary directories. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the platform. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of the Timeline Plugin and implementing comprehensive file upload security measures. Security configurations should include mandatory file type whitelisting, proper file extension validation, and content inspection to prevent the execution of malicious payloads. Additionally, organizations should establish automated monitoring systems to detect anomalous file upload activities and implement regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and mandatory file permission settings can further reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts.