CVE-2024-25801 in S-Museum
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2024
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Add Media function of SKINsoft S-Museum v7.02.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2025
The CVE-2024-25801 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file upload flaw within the SKINsoft S-Museum v7.02.3 content management system that exposes organizations to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the Add Media function, which serves as a legitimate interface for users to upload multimedia content to the museum's digital platform. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly verify the file type and content of uploaded documents, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to upload malicious PDF files that can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a high-risk security flaw that enables attackers to upload and execute malicious code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1505.003 - Server Software Component and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the potential for both initial access and post-exploitation activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate file extensions and content signatures during the upload process. When users attempt to upload PDF files through the Add Media function, the system does not adequately verify whether the uploaded file conforms to legitimate PDF standards or contains malicious payloads. Attackers can craft specially designed PDF files that exploit the application's lack of proper validation, allowing them to upload files with executable extensions or embedded malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because PDF files are commonly trusted by users and systems, making the attack vector more plausible and harder to detect. The lack of proper file type validation combined with insufficient content analysis creates a scenario where attackers can upload files with extensions like .php, .asp, or other executable formats that may be interpreted by the web server, even if the file initially appears to be a legitimate PDF document.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25801 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying system infrastructure. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can establish a foothold within the museum's digital environment and potentially escalate privileges to gain full administrative control over the application and its hosting environment. The compromised system could be used to host additional malicious content, exfiltrate sensitive data, or serve as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the organization's network. Organizations using SKINsoft S-Museum v7.02.3 may face significant reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses if this vulnerability is exploited. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that many museums store sensitive historical data, visitor information, and proprietary content within these systems, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the vulnerable application may be integrated with other systems, potentially allowing lateral movement and broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25801 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Organizations should immediately implement proper file validation mechanisms that enforce strict content type checking and reject any file that does not conform to legitimate PDF standards. The system should employ multiple layers of validation including extension checks, MIME type verification, and content signature analysis to ensure uploaded files are legitimate. Implementing a whitelist approach for allowed file types and using secure file handling practices such as storing uploaded files outside the web root directory can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Security controls should include disabling execution permissions on uploaded file directories and implementing proper access controls to limit who can upload content to the system. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their digital infrastructure. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring capabilities to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations must also ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to quickly deploy security updates when vendors release fixes for identified vulnerabilities. Compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks should be maintained to ensure comprehensive security coverage. Regular security training for administrators and users can help prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability, while maintaining detailed audit logs of all file upload activities enables rapid incident response and forensic analysis.