CVE-2015-20115 in RealtyScript
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
Next Click Ventures RealtyScript 4.0.2 fails to properly sanitize file uploads, allowing attackers to store malicious scripts through the file POST parameter in admin/tools.php. Attackers can upload files containing JavaScript code that executes in the context of admin/tools.php when accessed by other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-20115 resides within Next Click Ventures RealtyScript version 4.0.2, specifically within the administrative tools component located at admin/tools.php. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that directly enables unauthorized code execution through improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to adequately sanitize file upload parameters, particularly the POST parameter that handles file uploads, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the administrative context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of uploaded file content and type within the admin/tools.php endpoint. When legitimate administrative users access this tools page, any malicious files uploaded by attackers execute within the context of the administrative session, effectively granting the attacker elevated privileges and persistent access to the compromised system. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability combined with file upload capabilities, creating a dangerous combination that enables both client-side and server-side code execution. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and also aligns with CWE-79, covering "Cross-site Scripting," as the uploaded scripts execute in the context of other users accessing the administrative interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with persistent administrative access to the RealtyScript platform. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate the entire real estate listing management system, modify or delete property data, access sensitive user information, and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently in the background, with malicious scripts executing whenever other users access the admin tools page, making detection extremely difficult and allowing attackers to maintain long-term presence within the compromised environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1505.003 for Server Software Component, as it exploits legitimate administrative access points to establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-20115 require immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and file sanitization measures within the application. Organizations should implement strict file type validation, reject executable file extensions, and employ content-based file analysis to prevent malicious code injection. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based file type validation system that only accepts predefined safe file extensions and MIME types, while also implementing proper file name sanitization to prevent path traversal attacks. Additionally, the application should enforce strict access controls and authentication mechanisms within the admin/tools.php endpoint, ensuring that only authorized administrative users can access these critical functions. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application, while implementing proper logging and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized file upload activities. The vulnerability also necessitates immediate patching of the RealtyScript application to version 4.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent this specific class of attack from succeeding.