CVE-2018-18752 in Inventory
Summary
by MITRE
Webiness Inventory 2.3 suffers from an Arbitrary File upload vulnerability via PHP code in the protected/library/ajax/WsSaveToModel.php logo parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18752 affects Webiness Inventory version 2.3 and represents a critical security flaw allowing attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads through the application's web interface. This vulnerability resides within the protected/library/ajax/WsSaveToModel.php script where the logo parameter accepts user-supplied input without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to upload PHP code files that can be executed on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as an arbitrary file upload issue which directly maps to CWE-434, which specifically addresses the dangerous practice of accepting untrusted files without proper validation. This weakness creates an attack surface where attackers can bypass normal access controls and execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the web application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted file through the logo parameter in the WsSaveToModel.php endpoint. The application fails to validate the file type or content, allowing PHP files or other executable scripts to be uploaded to the server. Once uploaded, these files can be accessed through the web server, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code and gain unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the application's protected library directory, suggesting that the attacker may be able to upload files that could be executed in privileged contexts. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers the use of compromised applications to establish persistent access, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through web shells or similar mechanisms.
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 establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and access sensitive information stored within the inventory system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the application's data, as well as its availability, since the attacker could potentially disrupt services or install malware. Organizations using Webiness Inventory 2.3 are at risk of unauthorized access to their inventory data, potential lateral movement within their network, and the possibility of using the compromised system as a staging point for further attacks. The vulnerability also impacts the application's security posture by creating a direct path for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access system resources that should remain protected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18752 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict file validation and sanitization mechanisms that reject any file attempts to upload PHP code or other executable content. Organizations should enforce file type restrictions, validate file contents against known malicious patterns, and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory. The application should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to the upload functionality. Additionally, security measures such as input validation, output encoding, and regular security audits should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessments to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include updating to the latest version of Webiness Inventory or implementing compensating controls until a proper patch can be deployed, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to the overall security infrastructure of affected organizations.