CVE-2015-7904 in Mango Automation
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Infinite Automation Mango Automation 2.5.x and 2.6.x before 2.6.0 build 430 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary JSP code via vectors involving an upload of an image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2015-7904 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in Infinite Automation Mango Automation platforms version 2.5.x and 2.6.x prior to build 430. This security weakness enables authenticated remote attackers to bypass file validation mechanisms and upload malicious files that can execute arbitrary Java Server Pages code. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization during the file upload process, allowing attackers to exploit the system's trust in file extensions and content type checks. The affected versions of Mango Automation operate within industrial control systems and monitoring environments where such vulnerabilities can have severe operational impacts.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the system processes image file uploads without proper validation of file contents or extensions. Attackers can craft malicious files with image extensions such as .jpg or .png that actually contain JSP code, which the server then executes as legitimate web content. This vulnerability specifically targets the file upload functionality within the automation platform's web interface, where users with valid credentials can submit files that are subsequently processed by the application server. The flaw exists because the system relies on client-side validation and basic extension checking rather than comprehensive content inspection and proper file type verification mechanisms. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-434, which describes unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept potentially malicious files without proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7904 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further system compromise within industrial automation environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server hosting the Mango Automation platform, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects critical infrastructure monitoring systems where the automation platform manages industrial processes, making it particularly dangerous for operational technology environments. Attackers can use this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive operational data, or disrupt industrial processes by manipulating the automation system. The authenticated nature of the attack means that even limited user access can be escalated to full system compromise, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments where user access controls may be insufficient.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching to version 2.6.0 build 430 or later where the issue has been resolved. The remediation process should include comprehensive file validation that examines both file extensions and actual file content using proper MIME type checking and binary signature verification. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the impact of potential compromise, particularly in industrial environments where the automation platform controls critical processes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities and potential exploitation attempts, with specific attention to uploads containing executable code patterns. The mitigation strategy should also incorporate regular security assessments of industrial control systems, following industry standards such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content inspection mechanisms can provide additional protection against similar file upload vulnerabilities, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.