CVE-2023-2888 in PHPOK
Summary
by MITRE • 05/25/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in PHPOK 6.4.100. This affects an unknown part of the file /admin.php?c=upload&f=zip&_noCache=0.1683794968. The manipulation leads to unrestricted upload. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The identifier VDB-229953 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2888 represents a critical security flaw in PHPOK version 6.4.100 that allows for unrestricted file upload capabilities. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the content management system, specifically in the upload functionality accessed through the URL path /admin.php?c=upload&f=zip&_noCache=01683794968. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal file validation mechanisms and upload malicious files to the server without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of unrestricted file upload as defined by CWE-434, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for remote code execution and complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as problematic by security researchers indicates that it poses significant threats to web application security and can be exploited by threat actors without requiring elevated privileges or specific local access. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be initiated remotely, meaning that any attacker with access to the vulnerable web application can exploit this flaw without physical presence or additional authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient file type restrictions within the upload component of PHPOK's administrative interface. When users navigate to the specified URL path, the application fails to properly validate the file extensions, MIME types, or file contents of uploaded files, creating an opportunity for attackers to upload malicious payloads such as web shells, malware, or other harmful executables. The lack of proper sanitization and validation checks allows arbitrary file uploads to occur, which can lead to complete compromise of the web server. This flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding practices and demonstrates poor defense-in-depth principles in the application's security architecture. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from any location with internet access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The specific URL structure suggests that the vulnerability is part of a broader upload functionality that handles zip file operations, which typically should be restricted to specific file types and validated through multiple layers of security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it provides attackers with potential paths to achieve persistent access and execute arbitrary code on the compromised server. Successful exploitation could enable threat actors to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, perform lateral movement within network environments, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations using PHPOK 6.4.100, as it essentially provides a gateway for attackers to gain control over the entire web application infrastructure. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for advanced persistent threats, particularly since the administrative interface typically contains sensitive data and system management functions. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core administrative functionality of the application, potentially allowing attackers to modify content, steal user credentials, or manipulate database contents.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including but not limited to disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable upload functionality, implementing proper file type validation, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available, while also implementing additional security controls such as file extension filtering, MIME type verification, and upload directory permissions restrictions. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their web application's file upload mechanisms to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout their infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers executing malicious code through compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual upload patterns, and establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to handle file upload-based attacks. The VDB-229953 identifier assigned to this vulnerability indicates that it has been cataloged in security databases and is being actively monitored by the cybersecurity community, emphasizing the importance of prompt remediation to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.