CVE-2022-40490 in Tiny File Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2025
Tiny File Manager v2.4.7 and below was discovered to contain a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload injected into the name of an uploaded or already existing file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40490 affects Tiny File Manager version 2.4.7 and earlier, representing a critical cross site scripting flaw that compromises the security integrity of web-based file management systems. This vulnerability resides within the file naming functionality of the application, where user-supplied input is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web responses. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes file names that contain malicious script code, which gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected file listings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Tiny File Manager application. When users upload or manipulate files, the system stores the file names directly without proper sanitization of potentially malicious content. This creates an environment where attackers can inject script code into file names that are then displayed in web interfaces without appropriate HTML escaping or context-aware encoding. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious file uploads. The flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices where the application fails to distinguish between legitimate file names and potentially harmful script payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a vector for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. When a victim browses the file manager interface and encounters a maliciously named file, the injected script code executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or collaborative file management systems where multiple users interact with the same file manager instance. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access points or create backdoors through the file management interface, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this software for document storage and sharing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40490 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 2.4.8 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied file names, ensuring that script tags and other potentially malicious content are removed or encoded before storage and display. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the exposure of vulnerable file manager interfaces, while web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious payload patterns. Regular security auditing of file management systems should include verification of input sanitization practices and proper output encoding, with security teams implementing automated scanning tools to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The fix implemented in the patched version addresses the core issue by ensuring that file names are properly escaped when rendered in HTML contexts, preventing the execution of injected scripts and aligning with industry best practices for secure web application development.