CVE-2014-9619 in Netsweeper
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in webadmin/ajaxfilemanager/ajaxfilemanager.php in Netsweeper before 3.1.10, 4.0.x before 4.0.9, and 4.1.x before 4.1.2 allows remote authenticated users with admin privileges on the Cloud Manager web console to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a file with a double extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in webadmin/deny/images/, as demonstrated by secuid0.php.gif.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2014-9619 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Netsweeper's web administration interface that enables remote code execution through a sophisticated double extension attack vector. This vulnerability exists within the ajaxfilemanager.php component of the Cloud Manager web console, affecting multiple version ranges including Netsweeper 3.1.10 and earlier, 4.0.x versions prior to 4.0.9, and 4.1.x versions before 4.1.2. The flaw specifically targets authenticated administrative users who possess sufficient privileges to access the webadmin section of the console, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate administrative functionality to bypass security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insufficient validation of file extensions and content verification mechanisms within the file upload functionality. Attackers can bypass standard file type restrictions by uploading files with double extensions such as secuid0.php.gif, where the server interprets the file based on its final extension rather than its actual content. This creates a scenario where a PHP script disguised as a gif image is successfully uploaded to the webadmin/deny/images/ directory and subsequently executed when accessed directly. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and improper file validation processes that fail to properly examine file content or enforce strict extension filtering mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. An authenticated attacker with administrative privileges can leverage this flaw to deploy malicious payloads including web shells, backdoors, or other persistent malware that maintains access to the compromised system. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution on the server, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive configuration data, exfiltrate user information, or establish persistent command and control channels. Given that the affected systems are typically security appliances managing network traffic and content filtering, the compromise of such systems could result in widespread network infiltration and loss of security controls.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter." The attack chain follows a typical privilege escalation pattern where legitimate administrative access is used to bypass security controls through carefully crafted file uploads. Organizations using Netsweeper systems face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have already gained administrative credentials, making it particularly concerning for environments where administrative access is shared or potentially compromised. The remediation requires immediate patching of affected versions to address the file upload validation weaknesses and implementation of proper file type verification mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to broader network security posture concerns, as compromised Netsweeper appliances could provide attackers with visibility into network traffic, bypass content filtering policies, and potentially serve as launching points for further attacks against internal systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect suspicious file upload activities and ensure proper access controls are in place to limit administrative privileges to only necessary personnel. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that file upload functionality properly validates both file extensions and content types to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through other application components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and the dangers of insufficient file type checking in web applications that handle user uploads.