CVE-2019-16131 in OKLite
Summary
by MITRE
framework/admin/modulec_control.php in OKLite v1.2.25 has an Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability because a .php file from a ZIP archive can be written to /data/cache/.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16131 resides within the OKLite content management system version 1.2.25, specifically in the administrative module control component located at framework/admin/modulec_control.php. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the file handling process, particularly when processing ZIP archives containing PHP files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the system accepts ZIP archives through the module control interface without properly validating the contents or ensuring that only safe file types are extracted and stored. The affected code path allows a malicious actor to upload a ZIP archive containing a PHP file that gets written to the /data/cache/ directory, which is typically a location where the web application can execute PHP code. This directory traversal and execution capability enables attackers to upload malicious payloads that can be executed by the web server, effectively providing remote code execution capabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations using OKLite v1.2.25, as it allows attackers to gain persistent access to the system through the uploaded PHP files. The attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the administrative level, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify or delete system files, manipulate user accounts, or install backdoors for continued access. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through web shells and T1566 for initial access through vulnerable web applications.
The root cause of this vulnerability can be classified as a weakness in input validation and file handling, specifically categorized under CWE-434 which addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type." The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in the application's file processing logic, where the system fails to properly validate file extensions, content types, or file contents before allowing file extraction and storage. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigations including strict file type validation, proper directory permissions, and input sanitization. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security audits, particularly for administrative components that handle user-supplied data. This issue underscores the need for defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious file uploads, and regular patch management to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.