CVE-2020-35657 in Jaws
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2020
Jaws through 1.8.0 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary code via crafted use of UploadTheme to upload a theme ZIP archive containing a .php file that is able to execute OS commands. NOTE: this is unrelated to the JAWS (aka Job Access With Speech) product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2020
This vulnerability exists within the JAWS software version 1.8.0 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited by authenticated administrators. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of uploaded theme files, specifically when the UploadTheme functionality processes ZIP archives containing PHP files. An attacker with administrative credentials can craft a malicious theme package that includes a PHP file designed to execute operating system commands, thereby gaining unauthorized control over the affected system.
The technical flaw resides in the lack of proper input sanitization and file validation within the theme upload mechanism. When administrators upload themes through the UploadTheme function, the system fails to adequately inspect the contents of ZIP archives for potentially malicious PHP files that could be executed on the server. This oversight creates a path for command injection attacks where crafted PHP code within the uploaded archive can be executed with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the environment. Since the vulnerability requires only administrative authentication, it represents a significant risk to organizations where privileged accounts may be compromised through various attack vectors such as credential theft or social engineering.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting file type validation, implementing strict content inspection of uploaded archives, and applying the latest security patches from the vendor. Network segmentation and monitoring of upload activities can also help detect suspicious behavior. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user-supplied content and implementing proper access controls even for authenticated users with elevated privileges.
Additional defensive measures should include regular security audits of file upload mechanisms, implementation of web application firewalls to monitor for malicious payloads, and ensuring that administrative accounts are protected through multi-factor authentication. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive input validation processes and demonstrates how seemingly simple functionality can become a critical attack surface when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should conduct thorough penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their systems and ensure that all file upload capabilities undergo rigorous security review before deployment.