CVE-2022-38946 in Doctor-Appointment
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2024
Arbitrary File Upload vulnerability in Doctor-Appointment version 1.0 in /Frontend/signup_com.php, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The CVE-2022-38946 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw in the Doctor-Appointment system version 1.0, specifically within the frontend signup_com.php component. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly verify file types and content before allowing upload operations. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files to the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file type checking and validation processes within the signup_com.php script. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading files with extensions that are not properly restricted, such as php, aspx, or other server-side scripting formats. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which addresses the insecure upload of files containing code that can be executed on the server. Without proper file extension filtering, content type verification, or secure file storage mechanisms, the application becomes vulnerable to malicious file injection attacks that can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to achieve remote code execution, data breaches, and system compromise. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to upload web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that persist on the server and provide ongoing access to the compromised system. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive patient data, manipulate medical records, and potentially disrupt healthcare services. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through various attack vectors including file uploads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-38946 require immediate implementation of comprehensive file upload security controls. Organizations should enforce strict file type validation using allowlists rather than denylists, implement proper content type checking, and employ secure file storage mechanisms that separate uploaded files from executable code. The system should validate file extensions against whitelisted safe formats such as jpg, png, or pdf while rejecting any files with scripting extensions. Additionally, uploaded files should be stored in non-executable directories, renamed to random identifiers, and scanned for malicious content before storage. Network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security audits should complement these technical controls to provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also necessitates immediate patching of the affected Doctor-Appointment system and implementation of proper input validation across all user upload interfaces.