CVE-2014-3088 in Sametime Meeting Server
Summary
by MITRE
stconf.nsf in IBM Sametime Meeting Server 8.5.1 relies on the client to validate the file format used in wAttach?OpenForm multipart/form-data POST requests, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended upload restrictions by modifying the Content-Type header and file extension, as demonstrated by replacing a text/plain .txt upload with an application/octet-stream .exe upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3088 affects IBM Sametime Meeting Server version 8.5.1 and specifically targets the stconf.nsf component responsible for handling file uploads through the wAttach?OpenForm endpoint. This flaw represents a critical validation weakness that undermines the server's security controls designed to restrict file type uploads. The vulnerability exists within the server's file validation logic where it trusts client-side information rather than implementing robust server-side verification mechanisms. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with access to the meeting server's file upload functionality, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on proper access controls for their collaboration platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's reliance on client-provided Content-Type headers and file extensions for validation purposes rather than performing comprehensive file format verification. When a user attempts to upload a file through the multipart/form-data POST request mechanism, the server accepts the file type information directly from the client without independently verifying the actual file content. This approach violates fundamental security principles of input validation and trust boundaries, as demonstrated by the specific attack scenario where a .txt file with text/plain content type can be modified to appear as an .exe file with application/octet-stream content type. The vulnerability falls under CWE-434, which addresses insecure file upload handling, and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to manipulate file type detection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file upload bypasses and creates significant security risks for organizations using IBM Sametime Meeting Server. An authenticated attacker can exploit this weakness to upload malicious executables, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the server or client systems that process these files. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where meeting servers may be accessible to untrusted users or where privilege escalation could occur through compromised user accounts. This vulnerability enables attackers to circumvent intended security controls that would normally prevent execution of potentially harmful file types, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited for lateral movement within networks or as part of broader attack campaigns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers content injection in web applications, and specifically represents a file upload attack that could lead to system compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including server-side file validation that independently verifies file content rather than relying on client-provided headers, implementing strict file type whitelisting, and enforcing proper access controls for upload functionality. The recommended approach involves configuring the server to perform magic number verification, file signature checking, and MIME type validation using robust server-side libraries rather than trusting client-side information. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level restrictions that limit access to upload endpoints, regularly audit file upload activities, and ensure that all systems are updated to patched versions of IBM Sametime Meeting Server. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth strategies and demonstrates why server-side validation must be implemented as a primary security control rather than relying on client-side validation mechanisms that can be easily manipulated by determined attackers.