CVE-2016-8931 in Kenexa LMS on Cloud
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud could allow a remote attacker to upload arbitrary files, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2020
IBM Kenexa Learning Management System on Cloud contains a critical file upload vulnerability that enables remote code execution through unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's file handling processes. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass security restrictions and upload malicious files to the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's file upload functionality where proper validation checks are either missing or inadequately enforced. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted files that bypass the intended security controls, enabling them to upload executables, scripts, or other malicious content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload scenarios where applications fail to validate file types and contents properly. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the underlying system infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious content, they can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, and persistent access. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments where systems are accessible over the internet. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating the multi-layered attack vectors available to adversaries.
Organizations utilizing IBM Kenexa LMS on Cloud should implement immediate mitigations including strict file type validation, mandatory content inspection, and enhanced access controls. The recommended approach involves implementing comprehensive file validation mechanisms that verify file extensions, MIME types, and actual file contents against whitelisted parameters. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper network segmentation can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential lateral movement. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the application stack, while ensuring proper patch management processes are in place to address future vulnerabilities. The remediation strategy must also include monitoring for suspicious file upload activities and implementing automated threat detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts.