CVE-2022-2297 in Clinics Patient Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in SourceCodester Clinics Patient Management System 2.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /pms/update_user.php?user_id=1. The manipulation of the argument profile_picture with the input leads to unrestricted upload. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2297 represents a critical security flaw within the SourceCodester Clinics Patient Management System version 2.0, specifically targeting the user profile picture upload functionality. This issue manifests in the /pms/update_user.php endpoint where the profile_picture parameter fails to implement proper validation mechanisms for file type and content verification. The absence of input sanitization allows attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files without restriction, creating a significant vector for arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file validation procedures within the update_user.php script. When users attempt to update their profile pictures through the web interface, the application accepts file uploads without verifying the MIME type, file extension, or content signature of the uploaded files. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate or restrict file types, enabling attackers to upload executable scripts or malicious binaries. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that threat actors can leverage this flaw from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2297 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, potentially enabling attackers to achieve full system compromise through various attack vectors. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's classification as critical aligns with the attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target vulnerabilities in externally accessible systems to gain initial access. The public disclosure of this exploit increases the likelihood of automated attacks targeting unpatched installations of the Clinics Patient Management System.
Security mitigations for CVE-2022-2297 should focus on implementing comprehensive file validation mechanisms and restricting upload capabilities to prevent unauthorized code execution. Organizations should immediately implement proper input validation by checking file extensions against a whitelist of allowed types, verifying MIME types through content analysis rather than relying solely on client-side headers, and implementing strict file naming conventions to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, the application should store uploaded files outside the web root directory and implement proper access controls to prevent direct execution of uploaded content. The remediation efforts should also include regular security audits of file upload functionalities, implementation of file content scanning mechanisms, and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent the exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other application components. These measures align with the security recommendations outlined in the OWASP Top Ten Project and provide defense-in-depth strategies against file upload related threats.