CVE-2017-8402 in PivotX
Summary
by MITRE
PivotX 2.3.11 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via vectors involving an upload of a .htaccess file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8402 affects PivotX 2.3.11, a content management system that permits remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through a specific vector involving the upload of a .htaccess file. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of systems running this version of PivotX. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file handling mechanisms within the application's upload functionality, allowing malicious actors with legitimate authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users can upload a specially crafted .htaccess file that gets processed by the web server without proper sanitization or validation. This .htaccess file can contain malicious PHP code that gets executed when the web server processes the file, effectively providing attackers with a backdoor into the system. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that leverages the application's file upload capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location with network access to the vulnerable system. According to CWE guidelines, this corresponds to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation, potentially allowing execution of malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. Attackers can use the executed PHP code to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The fact that this requires only authenticated access means that an attacker who has obtained legitimate user credentials can exploit this vulnerability without requiring additional privileged access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of PHP for command execution, and T1078 which deals with valid accounts as a means of gaining access to systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the PivotX 2.3.11 application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms that prevent the upload of .htaccess files or any other configuration files that could be executed by the web server. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel have upload privileges, and that proper least privilege principles are enforced. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious file upload activities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms in web applications to prevent similar issues in the future.