CVE-2022-28568 in Doctor's Appointment System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2022
Sourcecodester Doctor's Appointment System 1.0 is vulnerable to File Upload to RCE via Image upload from the administrator panel. An attacker can obtain remote command execution just by knowing the path where the images are stored.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2026
The CVE-2022-28568 vulnerability affects the Sourcecodester Doctor's Appointment System version 1.0, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote command execution through improper file upload handling. This vulnerability resides within the administrator panel's image upload functionality, where the system fails to adequately validate file types and content, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation mechanisms that allow arbitrary file uploads, particularly targeting image files that are subsequently processed without proper security checks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal prerequisites for exploitation, as attackers only need to know the target directory path where uploaded images are stored, eliminating the need for complex reconnaissance or privilege escalation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure file upload vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses the issue of uploading files that are not properly validated for type and content. Attackers can leverage this flaw by uploading malicious files with image extensions that contain executable code or by exploiting the system's failure to properly validate file content against its declared type. The system's trust in the uploaded file's extension without proper content verification creates an attack surface where attackers can bypass security controls through simple file renaming or encoding techniques. This vulnerability represents a direct violation of secure coding practices and demonstrates poor defense-in-depth principles, as the application should have implemented multiple layers of validation including MIME type checking, file content analysis, and proper file extension restrictions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28568 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with complete system control through remote command execution capabilities. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's accessibility through the administrator panel means that attackers could gain elevated privileges and access sensitive patient data, system configurations, and administrative functions. This represents a significant risk for healthcare organizations that rely on such systems, as the compromise could lead to serious privacy violations, regulatory compliance issues, and potential harm to patient care. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many healthcare systems lack proper network segmentation, making such compromises particularly devastating.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28568 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement strict file type validation by checking both file extensions and MIME types, while also performing content analysis to ensure uploaded files match their declared types. The system should employ proper file naming conventions that obscure the original filename and prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. Security controls should include mandatory file format restrictions, size limitations, and the use of secure temporary storage for uploads before final processing. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, particularly focusing on prevention of execution through file validation and access control mechanisms. Regular security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other applications within the organization's attack surface, while proper security awareness training for developers can help prevent the introduction of such vulnerabilities in future software releases.