CVE-2015-1059 in AdaptCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/files/add in AdaptCMS 3.0.3 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a file with a PHP extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in /app/webroot/uploads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1059 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within AdaptCMS version 3.0.3 that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the administrative file upload functionality at the endpoint admin/files/add, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file uploads, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The flaw specifically affects authenticated users who possess administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate access rights to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code within the application's environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload handler. When authenticated administrators upload files through the designated interface, the system does not properly verify the file type, content, or extension, allowing attackers to bypass security controls by simply renaming malicious files with php extensions. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434, which classifies unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities as a critical security flaw where applications accept potentially dangerous files without proper validation. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload PHP shell files or web shells that can execute arbitrary commands on the server, effectively providing a backdoor for persistent access and further exploitation of the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for comprehensive system compromise. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious PHP file, they can directly access it through the /app/webroot/uploads directory path, enabling them to execute commands, access sensitive data, escalate privileges, and potentially establish a foothold for lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through various means including web shells. The implications are particularly severe as the vulnerability affects the administrative interface, potentially allowing full system compromise and data exfiltration.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves implementing strict file validation mechanisms that check both file extensions and content types, rejecting any uploads that do not meet predefined security criteria. Additionally, the upload directory should be configured with restrictive permissions and should not be directly accessible via web requests. Implementing proper input sanitization, using secure file naming conventions, and deploying web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and patch management, as this flaw existed in a specific version of the CMS that would have been addressed through proper maintenance protocols. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications and ensure that all file upload functionalities include robust validation and sanitization measures to prevent future incidents of this nature.