CVE-2020-15488 in Re:Desk
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2020
Re:Desk 2.3 allows insecure file upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15488 affects Re:Desk version 2.3 and represents a critical insecure file upload flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file upload vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-434 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of file uploads, allowing malicious actors to bypass security controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Re:Desk fails to properly validate file types, extensions, or content during the upload process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files such as web shells, scripts, or executable binaries that are then processed by the application server. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation mechanisms that do not properly filter or sanitize user-supplied file data before storage or execution. This allows attackers to upload files with potentially dangerous content that can be executed within the application context or on the underlying server infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2020-15488 can be devastating for organizations using Re:Desk 2.3. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation via code execution. Organizations may face significant operational disruption as attackers can establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of Re:Desk to version 2.3.1 or later, which addresses the insecure file upload issue through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement robust file upload restrictions including MIME type validation, file extension filtering, and content inspection mechanisms. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper access controls can provide defense-in-depth measures. Security configurations should enforce strict file upload policies that prevent execution of uploaded files and maintain separate storage locations for user uploads. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's attack surface.