CVE-2018-6860 in Schools Alert Management Script
Summary
by MITRE
Arbitrary File Upload and Remote Code Execution exist in PHP Scripts Mall Schools Alert Management Script 2.0.2 via a profile picture.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6860 represents a critical security flaw in the PHP Scripts Mall Schools Alert Management Script version 2.0.2 that allows attackers to achieve arbitrary file upload and subsequent remote code execution through the profile picture functionality. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type restrictions within the application's user profile management system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker uploads a malicious file through the profile picture upload feature without proper validation of file extensions, MIME types, or file contents. The application fails to implement robust sanitization measures, allowing attackers to upload files with dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp that can execute code on the target server. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434, which defines the improper restriction of uploads of executable files, and demonstrates a classic example of insecure file upload vulnerabilities that have been consistently identified in web applications across various industries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. Once successful, the vulnerability enables threat actors to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a staging ground for further attacks within the network. The implications extend beyond immediate system compromise, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to maintain long-term access, making it particularly dangerous for educational institutions that rely on such management systems for student data and administrative functions. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised system for additional reconnaissance and lateral movement activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6860 must address both the immediate vulnerability and establish comprehensive security controls to prevent similar issues. Organizations should implement strict file type validation using allowlists rather than denylists, enforce proper MIME type checking, and ensure uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, using random file naming conventions, and applying proper file permissions can significantly reduce the attack surface. The remediation efforts should also include regular security assessments, code reviews focusing on file upload functionalities, and ensuring all third-party scripts are kept up to date with the latest security patches. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual file upload patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored for file upload vulnerabilities.