CVE-2022-41573 in Ovidentia
Summary
by MITRE • 01/07/2025
An issue was discovered in Ovidentia 8.3. The file upload feature does not prevent the uploading of executable files. A user can upload a .png file containing PHP code and then rename it to have the .php extension. It will then be accessible at an images/common/ URI for remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41573 resides within the Ovidentia 8.3 web application, specifically targeting its file upload functionality. This represents a critical security flaw that directly undermines the application's defensive mechanisms and creates a pathway for remote code execution. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization processes that fail to properly restrict file types during the upload process, allowing malicious users to bypass intended security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in the application's file handling system where the upload feature does not adequately verify the actual content type of uploaded files. Attackers can leverage this by creating a seemingly benign file with a .png extension that actually contains malicious PHP code. When the application processes this file, it stores it in the images/common/ directory without proper validation of the file's true nature. The vulnerability is further compounded by the fact that the application allows file renaming operations that can transform the stored file from a .png extension to a .php extension, effectively converting a harmless image into an executable script.
This flaw enables an attacker to achieve remote code execution by simply uploading a crafted file and accessing it through the predictable URI path images/common/. This represents a severe operational impact as it allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or perform data exfiltration, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Ovidentia for content management or collaboration services. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced threat actors.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted file upload, and demonstrates poor input validation practices that fail to properly inspect file content against expected formats. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include and T1059.007 for scripting languages, as it enables execution of PHP code through web-based interfaces. Organizations should implement comprehensive file validation mechanisms including MIME type checking, content inspection, and strict file extension controls. Additionally, the application should employ proper file storage practices with restricted execution permissions and implement robust access controls to prevent unauthorized file manipulation. The remediation approach must include immediate patching of the application, implementation of proper file upload restrictions, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system.