CVE-2023-36119 in Online Security Guards Hiring System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2023
File upload vulnerability in PHPGurukul Online Security Guards Hiring System v.1.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted php file to the \osghs\admin\images file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2023
The CVE-2023-36119 vulnerability represents a critical file upload flaw within the PHPGurukul Online Security Guards Hiring System version 1.0 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate file type restrictions during the image upload process, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to compromise the system. The affected directory structure \osghs\admin\images indicates that the vulnerability exists within the administrative file upload functionality, which typically requires elevated privileges and poses significant risk to system integrity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload handling, where the application fails to properly validate file extensions, content types, or file attributes before accepting uploads. This weakness enables attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious PHP files that can execute arbitrary commands on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted PHP file and uploads it to the designated images directory through the administrative interface. Upon successful upload, the malicious file becomes accessible via web requests and can execute code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of vulnerabilities to gain initial access to systems, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interpreters. The attack vector leverages the application's trust in user-provided input without proper sanitization or validation, creating a persistent threat that can be used for data exfiltration, system compromise, or as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-36119 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass potential full system compromise, data breaches, and service disruption. Organizations utilizing this vulnerable system face risks including unauthorized access to sensitive information, modification of system files, creation of backdoors, and potential use as a launchpad for lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in an administrative upload function particularly amplifies the risk since attackers can gain elevated privileges and access to sensitive administrative features. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability likely affects similar applications that implement insecure file upload mechanisms, making it a common target for automated scanning tools and exploit frameworks. The risk assessment must consider the potential for data loss, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage that can result from successful exploitation, especially when the application handles personal or sensitive security-related information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-36119 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement strict file type validation by checking file extensions against a whitelist of approved formats such as jpg, png, and gif while rejecting any PHP or script files regardless of extension. Input validation should include content-based checks using file signature validation to ensure uploaded files match expected binary formats. The application must enforce proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to upload functionality, while implementing secure file storage practices such as storing uploaded files outside the web root directory. Additionally, security headers should be configured to prevent execution of uploaded files, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The solution approach aligns with defense-in-depth principles and follows industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 for secure coding and application security controls. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging of file upload activities to detect suspicious behavior and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure file handling practices in web applications and the necessity of comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review processes.