CVE-2022-40925 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_event" file of the "Events" module in the background management system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40925 affects the Zoo Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the administrative backend interface where event-related functionality is managed. This arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists within the picture upload functionality of the save_event file within the Events module, representing a critical security flaw that could enable attackers to execute malicious code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type verification mechanisms within the upload process, allowing unauthorized users to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files to the server.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation of file extensions and content within the upload handler, where the system fails to adequately verify whether uploaded files conform to expected image formats or contain malicious code. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading files with extensions that appear legitimate but contain malicious payloads, or by leveraging the system's failure to properly validate file content. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of allowing untrusted data to be uploaded to a web application, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices that mandate strict input validation and content verification. The lack of proper sanitization and validation creates an attack surface that aligns with the techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution. An attacker with access to the administrative interface could upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other payloads that would execute with the privileges of the web server process. This creates a persistent threat vector that could allow attackers to maintain long-term access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the entire management system and could result in data breaches, system corruption, or service disruption, particularly given that the affected system manages critical zoo operations and potentially sensitive visitor information. Organizations utilizing this system would face immediate risks to their operational continuity and data security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive file validation mechanisms that enforce strict extension checking and content verification. Organizations must deploy proper input sanitization, restrict file upload directories, and implement content-type validation alongside extension checks to prevent malicious file uploads. The system should be configured with appropriate access controls to limit upload capabilities to authorized administrative users only, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough code review to address the root cause of the vulnerability, ensuring that all file upload functionality implements proper security controls and follows secure coding guidelines that align with industry standards and best practices for preventing arbitrary file upload attacks.