CVE-2020-18912 in Ear App
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2023
An issue found in Earcms Ear App v.20181124 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the uload/index-uplog.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-18912 resides within the Earcms Ear App version 20181124, presenting a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by malicious actors without authentication. This issue manifests through the uload/index-uplog.php component, which fails to properly validate user input, creating an avenue for unauthorized code injection. The flaw represents a significant security weakness in the application's upload handling mechanism, allowing attackers to bypass intended security controls and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to severe remote code execution capabilities. The attack vector specifically targets the application's file upload functionality, where insufficient sanitization of file names and content permits malicious payloads to be uploaded and subsequently executed. The flaw operates under the principle that user-supplied data is not properly validated before being processed by the application, creating a direct path for privilege escalation and system compromise. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper file type checking and content validation mechanisms during the upload process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to fully compromise the affected system. Once exploited, the remote attacker can gain persistent access to the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system enumeration, and further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and availability, as attackers can modify or delete critical system files, disrupt services, and establish backdoors for continued access. The lack of authentication requirements means that any remote user can exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible applications. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's defense-in-depth strategy, as it bypasses multiple security layers that should normally prevent unauthorized code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-18912 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to the latest secure version that addresses the file upload validation issues. Organizations should implement strict file type validation and content checking mechanisms, ensuring that only approved file extensions and content types are accepted. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary upload functionality where possible, implementing proper file name sanitization, and establishing robust access controls around upload directories. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious upload activities and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for exploit public-facing application and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including regular security assessments, input validation enforcement, and continuous monitoring of application behavior.