CVE-2023-1303 in UCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2023
A vulnerability was found in UCMS 1.6 and classified as critical. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file sadmin/fileedit.php of the component System File Management Module. The manipulation of the argument file leads to unrestricted upload. The attack may be initiated remotely. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-222683.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1303 represents a critical security flaw in UCMS 1.6's System File Management Module, specifically within the sadmin/fileedit.php component. This issue falls under the category of unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities, which are particularly dangerous as they allow attackers to bypass normal file validation mechanisms and upload malicious files to the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file parameter processing logic, creating an attack vector that can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication. The affected component handles system file management operations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other harmful payloads that could compromise the entire system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the file argument parameter within the sadmin/fileedit.php script, which processes file editing operations. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing malicious file content through the vulnerable file parameter, the system fails to properly validate the file type or content, allowing arbitrary file uploads to occur. This flaw typically arises from inadequate security controls that should normally restrict file uploads to specific, safe formats only. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from external networks without needing physical access or local system credentials. The absence of proper file extension validation, content type checking, or secure file storage mechanisms creates a pathway for attackers to execute malicious code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-1303 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further system compromise and lateral movement. Successful exploitation could result in persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, system hijacking, or the deployment of additional malware. Organizations running UCMS 1.6 are at significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as this vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to establish long-term presence within their network infrastructure. The critical classification indicates that this vulnerability has a high potential for serious damage to system integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The remote nature of the attack means that organizations may not even be aware of the compromise until significant damage has occurred, as there are no obvious indicators of exploitation in the system logs or network traffic.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the UCMS 1.6 software to address the file upload validation flaw in the sadmin/fileedit.php component. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation controls that restrict file types, enforce strict content checks, and implement proper file storage mechanisms that prevent executable files from being stored or executed in web-accessible directories. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious upload attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses unrestricted Upload of file with dangerous type, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring of file upload activities and system access logs to detect potential exploitation attempts.