CVE-2018-12045 in DeDeCMS
Summary
by MITRE
DedeCMS through V5.7SP2 allows arbitrary file upload in dede/file_manage_control.php via a dede/file_manage_view.php?fmdo=upload request with an upfile1 parameter, as demonstrated by uploading a .php file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12045 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within DedeCMS versions up to V5.7SP2, specifically affecting the file management component. This vulnerability resides in the dede/file_manage_control.php script which processes file upload requests through the dede/file_manage_view.php interface. The flaw manifests when an attacker submits a request with the fmdo=upload parameter and an upfile1 parameter, enabling the execution of malicious file uploads without proper authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability directly violates security principles by allowing unauthenticated users to bypass file type validation mechanisms and upload potentially harmful files to the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the file upload functionality. The dede/file_manage_control.php script fails to properly sanitize or validate file extensions, file contents, or user permissions before processing upload requests. This weakness creates an exploitable path where attackers can manipulate the upfile1 parameter to upload PHP files or other executable content, effectively providing a backdoor into the target system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which defines insecure file upload as a weakness where applications allow users to upload files without proper validation, leading to potential remote code execution. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper file type checking and content verification that should be enforced at multiple layers of the application security stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the target system. Once exploited, an attacker can upload malicious PHP files that can be executed on the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors, execute arbitrary commands, and escalate privileges within the affected environment. This flaw particularly affects web applications that rely on DedeCMS for content management, creating significant risk for organizations that have not patched this vulnerability. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of DedeCMS face exposure to automated exploitation tools that specifically target this class of vulnerability, making it a prime target for botnet-driven attacks.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12045 require immediate patching of the affected DedeCMS versions to the latest secure releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload validation mechanisms including strict file type filtering, content inspection, and mandatory file extension whitelisting. The implementation of proper access controls and authentication checks should be enforced before any file upload operations are permitted. Security measures should include disabling executable file uploads, implementing proper file naming conventions, and maintaining strict file permission controls. The remediation process should align with security best practices defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, particularly focusing on input validation and access control measures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potential file upload vulnerabilities within their application stack and implement network-based detection mechanisms to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar classes of attacks.