CVE-2014-1214 in ProJoom Smart Flash Header
Summary
by MITRE
views/upload.php in the ProJoom Smart Flash Header (NovaSFH) component 3.0.2 and earlier for Joomla! allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files via a crafted (1) dest parameter and (2) arbitrary extension in the Filename parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The CVE-2014-1214 vulnerability resides within the ProJoom Smart Flash Header component for Joomla! versions 3.0.2 and earlier, specifically targeting the views/upload.php file. This flaw represents a critical server-side vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through unauthorized file uploads. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct input parameters that collectively create an exploitable condition allowing malicious actors to bypass normal file upload restrictions and gain persistent access to the target system.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves manipulation of the dest parameter and filename parameter to craft malicious file uploads. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload files with arbitrary extensions, effectively circumventing standard file type validation mechanisms. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation processes within the upload functionality, allowing attackers to specify both the destination path and file extension in ways that the application fails to properly restrict. This creates an environment where malicious files can be uploaded to the server with execute permissions, potentially enabling full system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes Joomla site running the affected NovaSFH component version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of Joomla! as a content management system.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable component until a patched version is available, implementing strict file type validation on all upload endpoints, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all installed Joomla! extensions. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload patterns, and establish network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments remain crucial for preventing exploitation of similar flaws in web applications and maintaining robust security postures against evolving threat landscapes.