CVE-2020-19303 in hdcms
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2021
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in /fileupload.php of hdcms 5.7 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The CVE-2020-19303 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within the hdcms 5.7 content management system that enables remote attackers to execute malicious code on affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the fileupload.php component which processes user-uploaded files without proper validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass security controls and deploy harmful payloads. The flaw fundamentally stems from insufficient input sanitization and inadequate file type verification, allowing adversaries to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions or content that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a severe security weakness in software applications that handle file uploads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious file that can be uploaded through the vulnerable fileupload.php endpoint. This typically involves uploading files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other server-side script extensions that can be executed by the web server. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file upload capabilities as it enables full remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged for various malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system compromise, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in externally accessible web applications to gain initial access.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-19303 is severe and far-reaching for organizations using hdcms 5.7, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying system infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate the web application to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but also exposes the entire server environment to potential compromise, as the uploaded files can be executed with the privileges of the web server process. Organizations may experience significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive data and potential system downtime. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through backdoors or reverse shells, enabling long-term surveillance and data theft operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-19303 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches or upgrading to a patched version of hdcms 5.7, as this addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation mechanisms including MIME type checking, extension filtering, and content analysis to prevent malicious files from being uploaded. Additionally, the web server configuration should be reviewed to ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory and that proper file permissions are enforced. Security controls should include implementing web application firewalls, restricting upload capabilities to authorized users only, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should align with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for secure application development and deployment practices.