CVE-2014-2042 in Timeline
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the Manage Project functionality in Livetecs Timelive before 6.5.1 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 a predictable directory in Uploads/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The CVE-2014-2042 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Livetecs Timelive software versions prior to 6.5.1. This vulnerability exists within the Manage Project functionality of the application, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file uploads, allowing malicious users to bypass security controls and deploy potentially harmful files to the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that legitimate users with appropriate credentials can exploit this weakness to compromise the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate file extensions and content during the upload process. When users upload files through the Manage Project functionality, the system does not adequately verify that uploaded files conform to expected types or contain malicious code. Attackers can exploit this by uploading files with executable extensions such as .asp, .aspx, .php, or .jsp, which are then stored in the predictable Uploads/ directory. The predictable directory structure makes exploitation straightforward since attackers can easily guess the file paths and access uploaded malicious files directly through HTTP requests. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, which specifically addresses unrestricted file upload, and represents a common attack vector in web application security. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command injection or file upload mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2042 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially gaining full administrative privileges or establishing persistent access through web shells. The vulnerability enables attackers to deploy various types of malicious payloads including web shells, reverse shells, or other malware that can be used for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or further lateral movement within the network. The predictable directory structure of the Uploads/ folder eliminates the need for extensive reconnaissance, making this attack vector particularly attractive to threat actors. Organizations using affected versions of Livetecs Timelive face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments where sensitive project data is stored. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points that can be used for extended periods without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2042 should focus on implementing robust file upload validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Livetecs Timelive version 6.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file type validation that rejects executable extensions, enforcing proper file content verification through MIME type checking, and implementing random or unpredictable directory structures for file uploads. The system should also employ proper access controls and file permissions to prevent unauthorized execution of uploaded files. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious file upload activities and direct access attempts to upload directories. Security professionals should implement web application firewalls and content filtering mechanisms to block malicious file upload attempts and monitor for exploitation patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should also include user access reviews and privilege management to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the Manage Project functionality that could be exploited.