CVE-2018-10375 in DeDeCMS
Summary
by MITRE
A file uploading vulnerability exists in /include/helpers/upload.helper.php in DedeCMS V5.7 SP2, which can be utilized by attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code via the /dede/archives_do.php?dopost=uploadLitpic litpic parameter when "Content-Type: image/jpeg" is sent, but the filename ends in .php and contains PHP code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10375 represents a critical file upload flaw within the DedeCMS content management system version 5.7 SP2. This security weakness resides in the upload.helper.php file located within the /include/helpers directory structure, specifically affecting the administrative upload functionality. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and file extension checking mechanisms that fail to properly verify the actual content type of uploaded files, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through crafted file uploads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the archives_do.php script with the dopost=uploadLitpic parameter, which is designed to handle image uploads for article thumbnails. Attackers can bypass normal file type restrictions by sending HTTP requests with Content-Type header set to image/jpeg while naming their malicious file with a .php extension. This discrepancy between the declared content type and actual file content allows the system to accept PHP code execution files despite the apparent image file restriction. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 as an insecure upload of file with dangerous type, which directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected DedeCMS installation. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing malicious actors to upload backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of web applications using DedeCMS, particularly those managing sensitive content or user data. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter for PHP, demonstrating how attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities for persistent access and lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of DedeCMS installations to version 5.7 SP3 or later, which addresses the file upload validation issues. Administrators should implement strict file type validation by checking actual file signatures rather than relying solely on Content-Type headers or file extensions. Additional protective measures include restricting upload permissions to administrative users only, implementing proper file naming conventions that prevent PHP execution, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious upload attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as highlighted in the OWASP Top Ten 2017 category A04:2017 - Injection vulnerabilities and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's Protect function.