CVE-2015-3884 in qdPM
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the (1) myAccount, (2) projects, (3) tasks, (4) tickets, (5) discussions, (6) reports, and (7) scheduler pages in qdPM 8.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in uploads/attachments/ or uploads/users/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The CVE-2015-3884 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in qdPM version 8.3 that affects multiple application modules including myAccount, projects, tasks, tickets, discussions, reports, and scheduler pages. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file upload functionality, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the server. The flaw exists at the application level where user-supplied file data is not properly filtered or restricted based on file type, extension, or content, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper file extension validation and content type checking within the qdPM application's upload handlers. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, .aspx, .jsp, or .cgi, which are then stored in the uploads/attachments/ or uploads/users/ directories. Once uploaded, these files become accessible via direct HTTP requests to their respective paths, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This represents a classic path traversal and code execution vulnerability that aligns with CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which specifically addresses the risks associated with allowing unrestricted file uploads in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the server, install backdoors, steal confidential information, modify or delete data, and establish a foothold for further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects not only individual user accounts but also potentially the entire qdPM application and its underlying infrastructure, as the uploaded files are accessible through predictable URL patterns. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3884 should include implementing strict file type validation, restricting upload directories, and employing content-based file analysis. Organizations should configure the application to reject files with dangerous extensions, implement proper MIME type checking, and store uploaded files outside the web root directory to prevent direct execution. Additionally, file upload functionality should be restricted to authenticated users with appropriate privileges, and all uploaded files should undergo virus scanning and content analysis. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, including regular security assessments and timely patch management. Organizations using qdPM should immediately upgrade to a patched version, implement network segmentation, and monitor for suspicious file upload activities to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.