CVE-2018-12256 in LiteCart
Summary
by MITRE
admin/vqmods.app/vqmods.inc.php in LiteCart before 2.1.3 allows remote authenticated attackers to upload a malicious file (resulting in remote code execution) by using the text/xml or application/xml Content-Type in a public_html/admin/?app=vqmods&doc=vqmods request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12256 represents a critical file upload flaw in LiteCart versions prior to 2.1.3, specifically within the administrative vqmods module. This vulnerability exists in the file admin/vqmods.app/vqmods.inc.php which handles vqmod operations through the admin interface. The flaw stems from insufficient content type validation during file upload processes, allowing authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to bypass security controls and upload malicious files to the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution, making it a severe threat to system integrity and data security. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the text/xml or application/xml Content-Type headers during requests to the public_html/admin/?app=vqmods&doc=vqmods endpoint, effectively circumventing standard file upload restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure file upload pattern where the application fails to properly validate the content type of uploaded files against a whitelist of allowed types. This weakness allows attackers to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions that could be executed as scripts on the web server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication, meaning that only users with valid administrative credentials can exploit this flaw. However, the impact remains severe as administrative access typically provides full control over the application and underlying system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434, which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate file types or content. This weakness directly enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can upload malicious PHP files or other executable content that will be processed by the web server, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the application, as attackers can modify or delete critical application components. Organizations using affected LiteCart versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within their infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12256 should focus on immediate remediation through the official LiteCart 2.1.3 update which addresses the content type validation issue. Organizations should implement proper file type validation by maintaining strict whitelists of allowed file extensions and content types, ensuring that uploaded files are scanned for malicious content before processing. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit administrative access to only authorized personnel, reducing the attack surface. The principle of least privilege should be enforced where administrative functions are restricted to necessary users only. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious content type headers, conducting regular security audits of upload functionality, and ensuring proper file permissions are set to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.