CVE-2025-6002 in VirtueMart
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2025
An unrestricted file upload vulnerability exists in the Product Image section of the VirtueMart backend. Authenticated attackers can upload files with arbitrary extensions, including executable or malicious files, potentially leading to remote code execution or other security impacts depending on server configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6002 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the VirtueMart e-commerce platform's backend administration interface. This vulnerability specifically affects the Product Image section where administrators can manage product media assets. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and file extension filtering mechanisms that fail to properly restrict the types of files that can be uploaded to the server. Attackers who have gained authenticated access to the VirtueMart backend can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with extensions that bypass the intended restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for the upload of executable files or scripts that could be executed by the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This issue falls under the category of CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with sufficient privileges to access the product image management functionality, making it a medium to high severity threat depending on the system's access controls and administrative practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper file type validation and content inspection mechanisms within the file upload processing pipeline. When users upload images through the VirtueMart backend interface, the application should validate file extensions against a whitelist of allowed types such as jpg, png, gif, and bmp. However, in this case, the system appears to either completely bypass extension validation or employs weak validation logic that can be easily circumvented. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload files with extensions like .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that can be executed by the web server. Additionally, the system may not perform content-based validation to verify that the uploaded file actually matches its declared file type, allowing for file type confusion attacks where a malicious binary is uploaded with a legitimate image extension. This weakness creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks, privilege escalation, and potential data breaches. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the web server has write permissions to directories containing executable scripts or where the application is configured to execute uploaded content without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-6002 extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads and can lead to severe consequences for affected organizations. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the affected web application. The vulnerability can be leveraged to deploy web shells, which provide attackers with ongoing access to the compromised system. Additionally, the uploaded malicious files can be used to escalate privileges within the application, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or administrative functions. The attack could also be used to conduct further reconnaissance activities, such as scanning internal networks or launching attacks against other systems within the organization's infrastructure. The impact is further amplified when considering that VirtueMart is commonly used in e-commerce environments where sensitive customer data, payment information, and business-critical assets are stored. This vulnerability can also be exploited in conjunction with other attacks, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, to create more sophisticated attack chains. The potential for data exfiltration, service disruption, and financial loss makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-6002 should focus on implementing comprehensive file upload security controls that address both the technical and operational aspects of the vulnerability. Organizations should immediately implement strict file type validation using whitelisting approaches rather than blacklisting, ensuring that only known safe file extensions are permitted for upload. The system should perform content-based validation to verify that uploaded files match their declared extensions, using techniques such as MIME type checking and file signature verification. Server-side restrictions should be enforced to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories, including proper file permissions and directory separation. The application should implement random file naming conventions to prevent predictable file paths that attackers could exploit. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious file upload patterns. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Additionally, organizations should implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to administrative functions. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected VirtueMart version and comprehensive security reviews of all file upload functionality within the application. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against file upload attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-layered attack approach that can be employed by threat actors targeting such weaknesses.