CVE-2014-2664 in X2CRM
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the ProfileController::actionUploadPhoto method in protected/controllers/ProfileController.php in X2Engine X2CRM before 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2021
The CVE-2014-2664 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in X2Engine X2CRM versions prior to 4.0, specifically within the ProfileController::actionUploadPhoto method. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types during the upload process. The flaw exists in the protected/controllers/ProfileController.php file where user-supplied files are accepted without proper verification of their content or extension. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp, which then become accessible through direct HTTP requests to the file location in an unspecified directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass security controls that should normally prevent execution of uploaded files. When users upload files through the profile photo upload functionality, the application does not perform sufficient checks to validate whether the uploaded file contains malicious code or poses an execution risk. The vulnerability specifically targets the ProfileController's actionUploadPhoto method, which handles user profile image uploads without implementing proper file type restrictions or content validation. This oversight creates a path for attackers to upload web shells or other malicious executables that can be executed by the web server when accessed directly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent code execution capabilities on the affected system. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary commands on the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of backdoors for continued access. The unspecified directory access pattern means that attackers can leverage various directory traversal techniques to locate and execute their uploaded payloads. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of executable code, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such flaws to achieve persistent access and execute malicious code within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2664 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization controls to prevent malicious file uploads. Organizations must ensure that all file upload functionality validates file extensions against a strict whitelist of allowed types, rejects files with executable extensions, and performs content analysis to verify that uploaded files match their declared types. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file type checking, storing uploaded files outside the web root directory, and implementing strict access controls that prevent direct execution of uploaded content. Additionally, organizations should upgrade to X2Engine X2CRM version 4.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches and security improvements to address this vulnerability. Security measures should also include regular security audits of web applications, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.