CVE-2018-12263 in portfolioCMS
Summary
by MITRE
portfolioCMS 1.0.5 allows upload of arbitrary .php files via the admin/portfolio.php?newpage=true URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12263 affects portfolioCMS version 1.0.5 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's file upload functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the administrative interface, specifically at the admin/portfolio.php endpoint when the newpage=true parameter is utilized. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to upload arbitrary php files, which can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized code execution.
The technical flaw manifests through a lack of proper file type validation and sanitization within the upload process. When an administrator navigates to the admin/portfolio.php?newpage=true URI, the application fails to implement adequate checks to verify that uploaded files conform to expected formats or contain malicious code. This absence of input sanitization creates a path for attackers to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary php code on the server. The vulnerability maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploit public-facing application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker who gains administrative access can upload malicious php files that may establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or perform further reconnaissance within the network. The uploaded php files can execute with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to privilege escalation and lateral movement. Additionally, the compromised system may serve as a persistent threat vector for ongoing attacks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where portfolioCMS is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12263 should focus on immediate patching of the portfolioCMS application to version 1.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including restricting file upload capabilities to only allow specific safe file types, implementing proper file extension validation, and ensuring that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized file uploads and suspicious php execution patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and maintain overall system security posture. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications and serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices and regular security updates.