CVE-2016-10084 in Piwigo
Summary
by MITRE
admin/batch_manager.php in Piwigo through 2.8.3 allows remote authenticated administrators to conduct File Inclusion attacks via the $page['tab'] variable (aka the mode parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10084 affects Piwigo version 2.8.3 and earlier, representing a critical file inclusion flaw that can be exploited by authenticated administrators. This vulnerability exists within the admin/batch_manager.php script, which processes administrative operations for the photo gallery management system. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the $page['tab'] variable, which serves as the mode parameter in the application's administrative interface. When an administrator accesses the batch manager functionality, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input, creating an avenue for malicious code injection through file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution flaw that aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to inadequate input validation. Attackers with administrative privileges can manipulate the mode parameter to include arbitrary files from the server, potentially leading to remote code execution or privilege escalation within the application's context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative authentication, which is typically a limited role within most web applications, making it more accessible than vulnerabilities requiring higher privileges. The exploitation mechanism involves crafting a malicious value for the $page['tab'] parameter that bypasses normal input validation checks, allowing the application to treat user-supplied data as executable code or as a file path specification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to the affected system. Once exploited, an attacker could potentially upload malicious files, modify existing code, or establish backdoors within the Piwigo installation. This compromise affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire photo gallery system, including all user data, uploaded images, and potentially sensitive metadata. The vulnerability also undermines the trust model of the application, as it allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges or access unauthorized functionality. From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations that rely on Piwigo for image management, as it can serve as a stepping stone for broader network compromises. The impact is particularly severe in environments where Piwigo is used for sensitive content management or where administrative accounts are shared across multiple users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Piwigo versions, with administrators upgrading to version 2.8.4 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for the $page['tab'] parameter, ensuring that only predefined, safe values are accepted. Additionally, organizations should enforce principle of least privilege by limiting administrative access to only those users who require it, reducing the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative activities can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for parameters that directly influence file operations or code execution paths. Security teams should implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other applications and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized file inclusion attacks.