CVE-2022-2804 in Zoo Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2022
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Zoo Management System. It has been classified as critical. Affected is an unknown function of the file /pages/apply_vacancy.php. The manipulation of the argument filename leads to unrestricted upload. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-206250 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2804 resides within the SourceCodester Zoo Management System, a web application designed for managing zoo operations and facilities. This critical vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the file /pages/apply_vacancy.php, which processes user uploads for job applications. The flaw allows attackers to bypass security controls that should restrict file uploads to only safe file types, creating a dangerous pathway for malicious code execution. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates its potential for severe impact on system integrity and security posture, particularly given that it can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the filename parameter within the upload functionality. When an attacker submits a malicious file with a carefully crafted filename, the application fails to properly validate the file extension or content, allowing arbitrary files to be uploaded to the server. This unrestricted upload capability enables attackers to deploy web shells, malicious scripts, or other harmful payloads that can be executed within the application's context. The vulnerability specifically targets the file upload mechanism's validation logic, which should normally enforce restrictions on file types to prevent execution of potentially harmful code. This weakness directly maps to CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation of their type, size, or content.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2804 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for various malicious activities. Remote exploitation means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity. Once successful, the vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access to the application server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The disclosed exploit (VDB-206250) accelerates the threat landscape by providing public tools that can automatically exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that have not yet patched or mitigated the vulnerability. This vulnerability can facilitate lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and the establishment of command and control infrastructure, all of which align with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) categories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations should implement immediate patching of the SourceCodester Zoo Management System to resolve the file upload validation flaw. Additionally, security controls should include comprehensive file type validation, content inspection, and proper file naming conventions that prevent execution of uploaded files. Implementing web application firewalls and upload restrictions that enforce strict MIME type checking can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation principles as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload activities can help detect exploitation attempts, while proper access controls and least privilege principles should limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against file upload attacks that could lead to complete system compromise.