CVE-2014-6298 in forum
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the mm_forum extension before 1.9.3 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2017
The CVE-2014-6298 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the mm_forum extension for TYPO3 systems prior to version 1.9.3. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure file handling practices that have been consistently identified as high-risk security weaknesses in web applications. The mm_forum extension serves as a bulletin board system within TYPO3 content management platforms, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web servers through malicious file uploads. The vulnerability specifically enables remote attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload functionality of the mm_forum extension. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp directly through the forum's file upload interface. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate file extensions, MIME types, or file contents against a whitelist of allowed formats. This lack of proper validation creates an attack surface where malicious payloads can be silently accepted and stored on the web server. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that once the malicious file is uploaded, it can be executed through various access methods including direct web access or through forum-specific functionality that may trigger code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6298 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. When successful, attackers can gain remote code execution capabilities, allowing them to install additional malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where threat actors target web applications to establish initial access. The compromise of a forum extension can lead to broader network infiltration as attackers often use such footholds to pivot to other systems within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, the vulnerability may result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations for organizations using affected TYPO3 installations.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to mm_forum version 1.9.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the unrestricted file upload issue. System administrators should also implement strict file type validation mechanisms, including MIME type checking and extension whitelisting, to prevent unauthorized file uploads. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring capabilities to detect suspicious file upload activities. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other extensions or components within the TYPO3 environment. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle file upload vulnerabilities, ensuring rapid detection and remediation of similar threats. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, emphasizing that all user-supplied data must be rigorously validated before processing or storage.