CVE-2025-46191 in Client Database Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2025
Arbitrary File Upload in user_payment_update.php in SourceCodester Client Database Management System 1.0 allows unauthenticated users to upload arbitrary files via the uploaded_file_cancelled field. Due to the absence of proper file extension checks, MIME type validation, and authentication, attackers can upload executable PHP files to a web-accessible directory (/files/). This allows them to execute arbitrary commands remotely by accessing the uploaded script, resulting in full Remote Code Execution (RCE) without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-46191 represents a critical security flaw within the SourceCodester Client Database Management System version 1.0, specifically affecting the user_payment_update.php component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and security controls that permit unauthenticated attackers to exploit a file upload functionality without proper authorization. The vulnerability manifests through the uploaded_file_cancelled field which lacks essential security measures to prevent malicious file uploads, creating a significant attack vector for remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple security failures that collectively enable an attacker to achieve arbitrary file upload capabilities. The system fails to implement proper file extension validation, allowing attackers to upload files with extensions that may execute on the web server. Additionally, the absence of MIME type validation means that even if file extensions are filtered, malicious files can still be uploaded by manipulating the content type headers. The lack of authentication requirements for the file upload endpoint means that any user can access this functionality without providing valid credentials, removing any access control barriers that might otherwise prevent exploitation. The uploaded files are directed to a web-accessible directory at /files/ which further compounds the risk by ensuring that any uploaded malicious files can be directly accessed and executed by remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file upload capabilities, as it enables full remote code execution without authentication. Attackers can upload PHP shell scripts or other executable files to the web server, which can then be accessed through web browser navigation or automated tools. This allows them to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely outside the normal authentication mechanisms of the application, meaning that even if proper access controls are in place for legitimate users, attackers can bypass these entirely through this vulnerability. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the uploaded files can be executed directly through web requests, eliminating the need for additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental security flaws in the file upload implementation. The most critical remediation involves implementing strict file type validation that only allows specific, safe file extensions such as images or documents while rejecting executable formats like php, phps, phtml, or other scripting languages. Comprehensive MIME type validation should be enforced alongside extension checks to prevent attackers from manipulating content headers. Authentication requirements must be implemented for all file upload functionality, ensuring that only authorized users can access these features. The upload directory structure should be reconfigured to prevent direct web access to uploaded files, and proper file permissions should be enforced to prevent execution of uploaded content. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and other web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. The attack pattern follows typical ATT&CK techniques for initial access and execution, specifically targeting the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter tactics that are commonly employed in web application exploitation campaigns.