CVE-2014-10074 in Umbraco
Summary
by MITRE
Umbraco before 7.2.0 has a remote PHP code execution vulnerability because Umbraco.Web.UI/config/umbracoSettings.Release.config does not block the upload of .php files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-10074 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Umbraco versions prior to 7.2.0, specifically within the file upload validation mechanism. This issue stems from inadequate security controls in the umbracoSettings.Release.config configuration file which fails to properly restrict the upload of php files. The flaw exists in the web application's content management system where user-uploaded files are not adequately filtered or validated before being stored on the server. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading malicious php files through the Umbraco interface, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload handling, where applications fail to validate file types or content before storing user-provided files on the server. This weakness allows attackers to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Umbraco content management platform's file upload functionality where the system does not properly enforce file type restrictions in the release configuration settings. The umbracoSettings.Release.config file contains configuration parameters that should prevent the upload of potentially dangerous file extensions including php files. However, due to a missing or inadequate filter, php files can be uploaded and subsequently executed on the web server. This misconfiguration creates a path for attackers to upload web shells or malicious scripts that can be executed by the web server, providing them with remote command execution capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially gain full control over the hosting environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully uploads a php file, they can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Umbraco versions before 7.2.0, making it particularly concerning for content management systems that rely on user-uploaded content. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, reducing the attack surface and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can use the executed code to maintain persistence and escalate privileges.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves upgrading to Umbraco version 7.2.0 or later where the file upload validation has been properly implemented. Additionally, administrators should review and harden the umbracoSettings.Release.config file to ensure proper file type restrictions are enforced. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious file upload activities. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file upload patterns and execution of php files within the web application context. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing principle of least privilege controls, ensuring that web application users have minimal necessary permissions to prevent escalation of privileges. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar configuration weaknesses in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.