CVE-2014-2278 in SeedDMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in op/op.AddFile2.php in SeedDMS (formerly LetoDMS and MyDMS) before 4.3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension specified by the partitionIndex parameter and leveraging CVE-2014-2279.2 to access it via the directory specified by the fileId parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2024
The CVE-2014-2278 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in SeedDMS, a document management system that was formerly known as LetoDMS and MyDMS. This vulnerability exists within the op/op.AddFile2.php component of the application and affects versions prior to 4.3.4. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it combines with CVE-2014-2279.2 to create a complete attack chain that enables persistent code execution. The vulnerability operates through the partitionIndex parameter which controls file extension validation, and leverages the fileId parameter to determine the target directory for file placement. This combination creates a pathway for attackers to upload malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp directly to the web server's document root, effectively granting them remote code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload mechanism. When users attempt to upload files through the AddFile2.php endpoint, the application fails to properly validate the file extensions or content, particularly when the partitionIndex parameter is manipulated to bypass security checks. The system relies on client-side validation that can be easily circumvented, and server-side validation is insufficient to prevent uploads of dangerous file types. The fileId parameter creates a predictable directory structure that attackers can leverage to place malicious files in locations where they can be executed by the web server. This weakness aligns with CWE-434, which describes the improper restriction of uploads of executable code, and represents a classic example of insecure file upload handling that has been documented in numerous security advisories. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated through web-based attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2278 is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected versions of SeedDMS. Successful exploitation allows attackers to achieve complete system compromise, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, and establish persistent access to the target environment. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible document management systems. Attackers can upload web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads that can be executed immediately upon upload, providing them with a foothold for further attacks within the network. The combination with CVE-2014-2279.2 amplifies the impact by creating a two-stage attack process where the initial file upload is followed by execution of the malicious code. This vulnerability can lead to data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within enterprise networks, as document management systems often contain sensitive business information and are frequently connected to internal systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited successfully.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect against CVE-2014-2278. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to SeedDMS version 4.3.4 or later, which includes proper file extension validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file type validation at both client and server levels, disabling executable file uploads entirely, and implementing proper input sanitization for all parameters including partitionIndex and fileId. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious file upload patterns. Organizations should also implement directory restrictions to prevent direct execution of uploaded files, ensure proper file permissions are enforced, and conduct regular security assessments of their document management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, particularly given that this vulnerability was present in widely deployed software versions that remained unpatched for extended periods.