CVE-2022-40924 in Zoo Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 09/26/2022
Zoo Management System v1.0 has an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the picture upload point of the "save_animal" file of the "Animals" module in the background management system.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40924 represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within the Zoo Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the administrative backend interface. This issue resides in the picture upload functionality of the save_animal file within the Animals module, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized file operations on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types and content during the upload process, allowing attackers to bypass security controls designed to prevent malicious file execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file upload parameters within the administrative interface, where the system lacks proper file type validation and content inspection. Attackers can upload malicious files with extensions such as php, aspx, or other server-side scripting languages that can be executed by the web server. This flaw aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept untrusted files without proper validation. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate server-side checks that should verify file extensions, MIME types, and file content against a whitelist of acceptable formats, typically restricted to common image formats like jpeg, png, and gif.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to the security posture of the zoo management system, potentially allowing remote code execution and complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could upload a web shell or malicious script that would enable them to execute arbitrary commands on the server, escalate privileges, and access sensitive data within the management system. The impact extends beyond simple file upload capabilities as it provides a foothold for further attacks, including potential lateral movement within the network and data exfiltration. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how the initial compromise can lead to broader system exploitation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40924 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization controls within the file upload functionality. Organizations must establish strict file type validation mechanisms that verify both the file extension and MIME type against a comprehensive whitelist of approved formats. Additionally, implementing proper file content inspection through magic number verification and executing file type analysis can prevent the upload of malicious files disguised as legitimate images. The system should also employ secure file storage practices including storing uploaded files outside the web root directory, implementing proper file permissions, and ensuring that uploaded files cannot be directly executed by the web server. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to the system, while also conducting comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the management system.