CVE-2026-64838 in ICEcoder
Summary
by MITRE • 09/10/2026
ICEcoder versions through 8.1 fail to properly validate the oldFileName parameter in file move and rename operations, allowing authenticated users to relocate files from outside the document root. Attackers can use path traversal sequences in oldFileName to move files writable by the PHP process into the web-accessible project directory, disclosing file contents and deleting originals.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2026
ICEcoder versions through 8.1 contain a critical authentication bypass vulnerability related to improper validation of user-supplied input during file management operations. Specifically, the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate the oldFileName parameter when executing file move and rename functions within its web-based interface. This flaw allows an authenticated attacker to manipulate the underlying filesystem by injecting path traversal sequences into the request parameters. While authentication is required to access the administrative features of ICEcoder, this requirement does not mitigate the risk posed by the lack of strict input validation on critical system paths. The vulnerability stems from a failure to enforce proper boundary checks, allowing the application to interpret directory traversal characters as valid components of the file path rather than rejecting them or restricting operations to the designated document root.
The technical mechanism behind this exploit involves the use of standard path traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash (../) within the oldFileName parameter. By carefully constructing these sequences, an attacker can direct the PHP process to access files located outside the intended web-accessible project directory. Once the application accepts the manipulated path, it proceeds with the move or rename operation using permissions associated with the executing user context, typically the web server process account such as www-data or nginx. This capability effectively bypasses the isolation boundaries established by the document root configuration, granting the attacker read and write access to sensitive system files that are normally protected from direct web access. The operational impact is severe, as it enables unauthorized disclosure of confidential data stored in directories outside the public scope, including configuration files containing database credentials or API keys.
Furthermore, this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure by allowing attackers to delete original source files through rename operations where the destination path points to a non-existent location or an invalid directory structure. This destructive capability can lead to service disruption and data loss for web applications relying on ICEcoder for file management. The ability to move sensitive system files into publicly accessible directories also facilitates further exploitation, as it may allow attackers to upload malicious scripts directly into executable locations within the web root. Such actions compromise the integrity of the entire server environment by enabling remote code execution scenarios if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that permit script interpretation in those newly exposed areas.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which describes flaws where software does not properly neutralize special elements within file paths that can cause files to be located outside the intended directory. Additionally, it relates to CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, as the operation leverages excessive privileges granted to the web process to access restricted areas of the filesystem. In terms of offensive security frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, this behavior corresponds to techniques involving File and Directory Discovery followed by Data Staged or Exfiltration over C2 channels if combined with other post-exploitation steps. The lack of strict input validation represents a fundamental design flaw in how user-controlled data interacts with system-level file operations.
To mitigate this vulnerability, administrators should immediately upgrade ICEcoder to version 8.1.1 or later where the issue has been addressed through improved input sanitization and path canonicalization checks. Until an update is applied, it is advisable to restrict access to the ICEcoder interface using strong network-based controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN requirements to limit exposure to authenticated users only. Additionally, implementing strict file permission policies on the server can reduce impact by ensuring that the web process account does not have write permissions outside of specific application directories. Regular auditing of file system changes and monitoring for unusual path traversal attempts in access logs can also help detect exploitation activities early. Organizations should review their deployment configurations to ensure that no sensitive configuration files reside within or adjacent to publicly accessible web roots, thereby reducing the attack surface even if similar vulnerabilities are discovered in other components.