CVE-2024-36396 in WFO
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2024
Verint - CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CWE-434 in Verint systems represents a critical security flaw involving unrestricted file upload capabilities that permit the upload of files with dangerous types. This weakness occurs when applications fail to properly validate or restrict file uploads based on their MIME types, extensions, or content signatures, creating an avenue for malicious actors to bypass security controls and potentially execute arbitrary code within the target environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability typically involves web applications that accept file uploads without adequate sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this by uploading malicious files such as php shells, jsp webshells, or other executable scripts that can be triggered through web requests to the application server. The flaw exists at the application layer where input validation mechanisms are either absent or insufficiently restrictive, allowing attackers to upload files that may contain malicious payloads designed to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.
From an operational perspective this vulnerability presents significant risks including potential complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The impact extends beyond individual system breaches to potentially affect entire network infrastructures when attackers establish footholds through compromised file upload mechanisms. Organizations utilizing Verint systems may face regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if successful attacks occur due to this vulnerability.
The exploitation of unrestricted file uploads aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and control execution and T1133 for external remote services. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which specifically addresses the scenario where applications allow upload of files with dangerous types without proper restrictions. Organizations should implement comprehensive file upload validation controls including MIME type checking, file extension filtering, content analysis, and secure storage mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies involve implementing strict file type validation using allowlists rather than denylists, employing multiple validation layers including server-side checks, deploying web application firewalls to monitor suspicious upload patterns, and ensuring proper file permissions and storage segregation. Security controls should include regular vulnerability assessments, code reviews focusing on upload handling logic, and comprehensive security training for development teams to prevent similar flaws in future implementations.
Organizations should also consider implementing automated file scanning solutions that can detect malicious content within uploaded files regardless of their extensions or MIME types. The remediation process requires immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of proper input validation controls, and establishment of monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that file upload mechanisms remain secure against evolving attack vectors.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper input validation in web application security. Without robust protection measures around file upload functionality, organizations expose themselves to severe security risks that can result in complete system compromise and long-term operational disruption. This flaw exemplifies why security controls must be implemented at multiple layers rather than relying on a single protective mechanism.
CWE-434 specifically highlights the dangers of allowing unrestricted file uploads with potentially dangerous file types, emphasizing that such vulnerabilities can lead to remote code execution and full system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes related techniques under command and control operations, demonstrating how attackers leverage these vulnerabilities to establish persistent access and maintain control over compromised systems. Proper implementation of file upload restrictions requires not only technical controls but also organizational policies and security awareness training to prevent recurrence of similar vulnerabilities in future software deployments and system configurations.