CVE-2017-1000119 in October
Summary
by MITRE
October CMS build 412 is vulnerable to PHP code execution in the file upload functionality resulting in site compromise and possibly other applications on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000119 affects October CMS version 412 and represents a critical security flaw in the content management system's file upload mechanism. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the upload functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The flaw exists in the way the system processes uploaded files, particularly when handling certain file extensions and content types that should be restricted or properly validated before being accepted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions by exploiting how the system handles file type detection and validation. When users upload files through the CMS interface, the application fails to properly verify the actual file content against the declared file type, enabling malicious actors to upload PHP scripts disguised as other file types such as images or documents. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation of their content or type. The vulnerability can be exploited through the web interface, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges beyond basic user access to the CMS administration area.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete site compromise and potential server takeover. Once an attacker gains the ability to execute PHP code, they can perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The compromise of one application can potentially affect other applications running on the same server, creating a domino effect that may expose additional attack surfaces. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of PHP for code execution, and T1078 which addresses legitimate credentials use for persistence. The attack chain typically involves uploading a malicious PHP payload, executing it through the vulnerable upload functionality, and then using the compromised system as a foothold for further reconnaissance and lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1000119 should focus on immediate patching of the October CMS installation to version 413 or later, which includes proper file validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement strict file type validation at both the application and web server levels, ensuring that only approved file extensions are accepted and that file content is verified against declared types. Additional protective measures include restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated administrators only, implementing proper file permissions and directory restrictions, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload patterns and unauthorized code execution attempts, while regular security audits should verify that upload functionality adheres to security best practices and that no unauthorized modifications have been made to the system. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the potential consequences of inadequate file handling in web applications.