CVE-2017-9380 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
OpenEMR 5.0.0 and prior allows low-privilege users to upload files of dangerous types which can result in arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9380 affects OpenEMR versions 5.0.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables low-privilege users to upload malicious files leading to arbitrary code execution. This issue stems from insufficient file type validation and inadequate restrictions on file upload capabilities within the application's web interface. The vulnerability specifically targets the file upload functionality that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel with appropriate privileges, yet fails to properly validate the content and type of files being uploaded by users with minimal access rights.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to enforce proper input validation on uploaded files, creating a path for attackers to bypass security controls through crafted file uploads. This flaw allows unauthorized users to submit files with potentially dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, or other executable formats that can be executed within the web server context. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently exploited in various attack scenarios. The flaw essentially creates a sandbox escape condition where users with minimal privileges can escalate their access level through file manipulation, potentially compromising the entire application environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the web application. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, installation of backdoors, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a medical records management system, which typically contains sensitive patient data and critical healthcare information. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1078 for Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised system to maintain persistence and escalate privileges. The risk is amplified when considering that OpenEMR systems are often deployed in healthcare environments where regulatory compliance requirements such as HIPAA mandate strict security controls over data access and system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9380 should focus on implementing comprehensive file upload restrictions and validation mechanisms. Organizations must enforce strict file type checking that rejects executable file extensions and validates file content through multiple verification methods including MIME type checking and file signature analysis. The implementation of proper access controls is essential to ensure that only authorized users can perform file uploads, with additional monitoring and logging of all upload activities. Security patches should be applied immediately to update OpenEMR to versions 5.0.1 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to address the file upload validation issues. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the system. The remediation process should also include comprehensive user access reviews to minimize the number of accounts with upload privileges and implement principle of least privilege controls across all system components.