CVE-2018-25388 in HaPe PKH
Summary
by MITRE • 05/29/2026
HaPe PKH 1.1 contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to upload malicious files by bypassing file type validation. Attackers can upload PHP files through multiple endpoints including aksi_foto.php, aksi_user.php, and aksi_kecamatan.php to execute arbitrary code on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2026
The HaPe PKH 1.1 application presents a critical arbitrary file upload vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the security posture of the system through improper file type validation mechanisms. This vulnerability exists within the application's authentication framework where authenticated users can exploit multiple endpoints to bypass security controls designed to restrict file uploads to legitimate formats. The specific endpoints aksi_foto.php, aksi_user.php, and aksi_kecamatan.php all suffer from the same validation flaw, creating multiple attack vectors that significantly increase the exploitation surface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation processes that fail to properly verify file extensions, MIME types, or file content, allowing malicious actors to upload PHP scripts that can execute arbitrary code on the target server. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-434 which categorizes insecure file upload vulnerabilities as a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute malicious code through file uploads. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with persistent access to the server environment, enabling them to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the application's access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a systematic approach where authenticated users can craft malicious PHP files that bypass the application's upload restrictions through various means such as file extension manipulation, MIME type spoofing, or by leveraging the application's trust in certain file formats. Once successfully uploaded, these PHP files can be executed through direct access to the uploaded file location or through the application's processing mechanisms, allowing attackers to perform arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web application user. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of proper security controls in the file upload process, as the application does not implement robust validation checks that would normally include content-type verification, file extension filtering, or binary signature analysis. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly by attackers who gain legitimate access to the application through various means such as credential compromise, session hijacking, or social engineering attacks that lead to authenticated access. The presence of multiple vulnerable endpoints increases the attack surface and reduces the effectiveness of potential defensive measures since attackers can choose the most convenient upload point for their exploitation attempts.
The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to include complete system compromise and data breaches that can affect both the application's integrity and the confidentiality of user information stored within the HaPe PKH system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the server, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised system as a staging area for further attacks against network infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior to gain access to administrative functions or sensitive database information. Organizations implementing this software face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage from potential data breaches. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these endpoints are accessible through normal application usage patterns, making detection more difficult and allowing attackers to blend their activities with legitimate user behavior. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1566 for credential access, demonstrating how the initial compromise can lead to broader exploitation opportunities within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust file upload validation mechanisms that include multiple layers of security controls to prevent malicious file uploads. Organizations should implement strict file extension filtering, enforce proper MIME type validation, and utilize content-based file analysis to verify file integrity. The application should reject any file that does not meet predetermined security criteria and implement proper file storage mechanisms that separate uploaded files from executable code. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to ensure that file upload functionality is restricted to authorized users only, and that uploaded files are stored in non-executable directories. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, and automated security scanning tools should be employed to detect potential file upload flaws. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious file upload activities, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be established to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for file upload functionality and ensure that any uploaded files are scanned for malware before being processed or stored within the application's environment.