CVE-2016-1000031 in Documaker
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Commons FileUpload before 1.3.3 DiskFileItem File Manipulation Remote Code Execution
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The Apache Commons FileUpload library represents a critical vulnerability in the widely deployed Java-based file upload handling component that affects versions prior to 1.3.3. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file names and paths during the file upload process, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically impacts the DiskFileItem class which handles file storage on disk, making it particularly dangerous in web applications that process user-uploaded files. Security researchers identified that the library failed to properly sanitize file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate the file system through specially crafted upload requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file paths during the upload process where the DiskFileItem component does not adequately validate or sanitize input parameters. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious file names that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. When the library processes these manipulated file paths, it fails to properly resolve or validate the intended storage location, potentially allowing files to be written to arbitrary directories on the server. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code by uploading malicious files such as jar archives or scripts that get executed within the context of the web application's privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file manipulation, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious executables or scripts that can then be executed on the target system, potentially allowing for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further network infiltration. The remote code execution capability means that an attacker does not require local system access or credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or applications with broad user upload capabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in software to gain remote code execution, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through various system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Apache Commons FileUpload libraries to version 1.3.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms that restrict file types, enforce strict naming conventions, and implement proper access controls for uploaded files. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious file upload patterns, implementing strict file path validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, and conducting regular security assessments of file handling components. Security teams should also establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous file upload activities and implement least privilege principles for file system access to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing defense-in-depth strategies for file handling operations in web applications.