CVE-2025-0520 in ShowDoc
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2025
An unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ShowDoc caused by improper validation of file extension allows execution of arbitrary PHP, leading to remote code execution.This issue affects ShowDoc: before 2.8.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-0520 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the ShowDoc web application that has been classified under CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify file extensions during the upload process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls. The affected version range indicates that all iterations prior to ShowDoc 2.8.7 remain susceptible to this attack vector, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing older versions of this document management platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker uploads a malicious file with a PHP extension that appears legitimate but contains malicious code. The improper validation allows files with extensions such as .php, .phtml, or other executable formats to be accepted and stored on the server without adequate scrutiny. Once uploaded, these files can be executed by the web server, providing attackers with remote code execution capabilities that enable full system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an attack against a publicly accessible web application component that allows arbitrary file uploads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Successful exploitation enables threat actors to execute arbitrary commands, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access to the network. The implications are particularly severe for document management systems like ShowDoc, which often contain sensitive business information, user credentials, and proprietary documentation that could be compromised through this attack vector. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to ShowDoc version 2.8.7 or later, which includes proper file extension validation and content type checking mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file type restrictions, configuring web server rules to prevent execution of uploaded files, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious upload attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected applications within their environment that may share similar file upload validation weaknesses. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate file uploads continue to function while malicious file uploads are properly blocked, following security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.