CVE-2015-1587 in LetterBox
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in file_to_index.php in Maarch LetterBox 2.8 and earlier and GEC/GED 1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by uploading a file with a PHP extension, then accessing it via a request to a predictable filename in tmp/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The CVE-2015-1587 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Maarch LetterBox and GEC/GED document management systems. This vulnerability exists in file_to_index.php component and affects versions 2.8 and earlier of Maarch LetterBox and 1.4 and earlier of GEC/GED. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file uploads, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution through simple file upload operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a predictable file naming scheme within the temporary directory structure. When users upload files through the vulnerable system, the application does not adequately validate file extensions or content types, permitting PHP files to be uploaded with extensions such as .php, .phtml, or other executable formats. The uploaded files are subsequently stored in a predictable temporary directory path, making it straightforward for attackers to locate and execute their malicious payloads. This predictable filename generation, combined with the lack of proper file type verification, creates an ideal environment for arbitrary code execution attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload scenarios where applications fail to properly validate file types and content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations using these document management systems to severe security risks including complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can upload web shells or malicious PHP scripts that provide remote command execution capabilities, allowing them to escalate privileges, access sensitive documents, and potentially move laterally within the network. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise as the vulnerability can be exploited repeatedly without detection, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on these systems for storing confidential information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, significantly increasing the attack surface and reducing the time required to achieve successful compromise.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions that contain proper file upload validation. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to external threats. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts, particularly those involving executable file extensions. Input validation should be strengthened to reject files with potentially dangerous extensions and content types. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the document management infrastructure. Additionally, implementing proper file upload sanitization techniques such as file type checking, content validation, and storing uploaded files outside the web root directory can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The remediation approach should also include monitoring and logging of file upload activities to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation attempts.