CVE-2025-3041 in Online Time Table Generator
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Project Worlds Online Time Table Generator 1.0. This affects an unknown part of the file /admin/updatestudent.php. The manipulation of the argument pic leads to unrestricted upload. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2025
This critical vulnerability in Project Worlds Online Time Table Generator version 1.0 represents a severe security flaw that allows unauthorized file uploads through the administrative interface. The vulnerability specifically resides in the /admin/updatestudent.php file where the pic parameter fails to properly validate or sanitize user input, creating an unrestricted upload condition that can be exploited remotely. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions and potentially execute malicious code on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user-generated content. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system and can target the vulnerability from any location with internet connectivity, significantly expanding the attack surface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the updatestudent.php script where the pic argument is processed without proper security checks. When users upload files through this interface, the application fails to verify file extensions, MIME types, or file contents against a whitelist of acceptable formats. This oversight allows attackers to upload malicious files such as php shells, javascript payloads, or other executable content that can be executed within the web server context. The unrestricted nature of the upload means that even files with potentially dangerous extensions like .php, .asp, or .jsp can be successfully uploaded and subsequently accessed through the web server, providing attackers with persistent access to the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file uploads and can result in complete system compromise. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious code, they can establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, allowing attackers to maintain access even after initial compromise. From an attacker's perspective this represents a high-value target as it provides direct execution capabilities on the web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or the establishment of command and control infrastructure. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk as it provides ready-made tools for exploitation to any threat actor with basic technical skills.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most critical immediate action involves implementing proper input validation and file type checking mechanisms that enforce strict whitelisting of acceptable file extensions and MIME types. The application should validate file contents rather than relying solely on extension checks and implement robust sanitization of all user inputs. Security measures should include configuring web server restrictions to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories, implementing proper access controls for administrative functions, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious upload attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers would leverage the unrestricted upload to establish persistent access and execute commands on the compromised system. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual file upload patterns and ensure that all web applications undergo proper security testing before deployment to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions.