CVE-2015-1371 in ferretCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ferretCMS 1.0.4-alpha allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in custom/uploads/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1371 represents a critical security flaw in ferretCMS version 1.0.4-alpha that fundamentally compromises the integrity of web applications through unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the content management system's file handling mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and execute malicious code within the application's environment. The flaw exists due to insufficient validation and sanitization of file uploads, allowing attackers to bypass security controls that should prevent the upload of potentially harmful executable files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate file extensions and content types during the upload process. When administrators upload files through the CMS interface, the system does not adequately verify whether the uploaded files contain executable code or malicious payloads. This weakness enables attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it specifically targets the custom/uploads/ directory where uploaded files are stored, making them directly accessible via web requests. This direct accessibility means that once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can simply request the file directly through the web server to trigger code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1371 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Remote code execution capabilities allow threat actors to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, or even use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative access to exploit, meaning that attackers who have gained administrative credentials can immediately leverage this flaw. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and execution tactics, specifically targeting the use of legitimate credentials to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious payloads within the target environment. The CWE-434 enumeration applies directly to this vulnerability, as it represents an insecure file upload vulnerability that allows the upload of files with dangerous content types.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural weaknesses that enabled the flaw. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms that reject executable files regardless of their extensions, enforce proper file type checking, and utilize content-based verification rather than relying solely on extension validation. The implementation of secure upload directories with restricted permissions and proper access controls is essential to prevent direct execution of uploaded files. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected ferretCMS version, implementation of web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file upload attempts, and comprehensive staff training on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls to limit the administrative capabilities of users and reduce the potential impact of credential compromise.