CVE-2018-17055 in Sitefinity CMS
Summary
by MITRE
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Progress Sitefinity CMS versions 4.0 through 11.0 related to image uploads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17055 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within Progress Sitefinity CMS versions ranging from 4.0 to 11.0, specifically affecting the image upload functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types and content during the upload process. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with appropriate permissions to upload malicious files to the server, potentially leading to remote code execution or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as Sitefinity CMS is widely deployed in enterprise environments where it serves as a content management platform for critical business applications and websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the image upload handler where the application does not adequately validate file extensions or content signatures before storing uploaded files. Attackers can exploit this by uploading files with dangerous extensions such as .aspx, .php, or .jsp that can execute code on the server when accessed through the web application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 as "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," which specifically addresses scenarios where applications allow file uploads without proper validation of file types or content. This weakness enables attackers to bypass typical security controls and gain unauthorized access to server resources, potentially leading to persistent backdoor access or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17055 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can leverage this access to perform various malicious activities including privilege escalation, data theft, or establishing persistent access through web shells. The vulnerability affects organizations running Sitefinity CMS across multiple versions, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts a wide range of deployed systems. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when attackers use uploaded files to execute commands on the compromised system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates released for Sitefinity CMS versions 4.0 through 11.0. Additionally, administrators should implement strict file type validation mechanisms that reject uploads of executable or script files, even when they have legitimate extensions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious upload attempts. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments of the content management system to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in other components. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise such as unusual file uploads or access patterns that may suggest exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect and prevent unauthorized file uploads, as well as establishing robust backup and recovery procedures to quickly restore systems in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical web applications from similar attack vectors.