CVE-2023-46428 in HadSky
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2023
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in HadSky v7.12.10 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2026
The CVE-2023-46428 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw in HadSky version 7.12.10 that enables remote code execution through malicious file uploads. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file handling and improper input validation, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise affected systems. The flaw exists within the application's file upload functionality where insufficient validation mechanisms allow attackers to bypass security checks and upload malicious files that can be executed on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of file names and content during the upload process. Attackers can craft specially designed files with malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper file type verification and directory traversal controls. The vulnerability typically manifests when the application fails to validate file extensions, MIME types, or file content against a whitelist of approved formats. This allows attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .jsp, .asp, or other executable formats that can be directly executed by the web server, or alternatively upload files that can be leveraged for privilege escalation through server-side includes or other attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-46428 is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system enumeration, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent command and control channels. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept untrusted data without proper validation, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application. Organizations running affected HadSky installations face risks of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where the application handles sensitive user information or business-critical data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive layers to protect against exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement strict file type validation using allowlists of approved extensions, enforce proper file content verification through magic number checks, and ensure that uploaded files are stored outside the web root directory with restrictive permissions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious upload requests. Additionally, the application should be updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process must include thorough code review to address improper input validation and ensure that all file upload operations implement proper security controls as recommended by OWASP and other security standards.