Source: cna@vuldb.com
A vulnerability was found in PHPGurukul Online Course Registration up to 3.1. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/edit-student-profile.php of the component Student Registration Page. The manipulation of the argument photo results in unrestricted upload. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been made public and could be used.
PHPGurukul Online Course Registration versions up to 3.1 are vulnerable to unrestricted file upload, allowing attackers to upload malicious files via the /admin/edit-student-profile.php page. This can lead to remote code execution (RCE), potentially compromising the entire server and sensitive data. The exploit is publicly available, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation.
Step 1: Access the Vulnerable Page: The attacker navigates to the /admin/edit-student-profile.php page, typically requiring administrator credentials (which may be obtained through other means).
Step 2: Craft the Malicious Payload: The attacker creates a malicious file (e.g., a PHP script) that, when executed, will perform actions like creating a reverse shell, stealing data, or installing malware. This file is crafted to appear as a valid image file (e.g., a GIF or JPEG) to bypass initial checks.
Step 3: Upload the Malicious File: The attacker uses the photo parameter in the edit-student-profile.php form to upload the crafted malicious file. The application, due to the vulnerability, fails to properly validate the file type or content.
Step 4: Trigger Code Execution: The attacker then accesses the uploaded file, which is now stored on the server. This can be achieved by knowing the upload path or through other vulnerabilities. The server then executes the malicious code within the uploaded file, granting the attacker control.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the photo parameter in the /admin/edit-student-profile.php file. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate the uploaded file's type, content, or size. This allows an attacker to upload a malicious file, such as a PHP script, disguised as an image. When the application later processes or accesses this uploaded file, the malicious code is executed, leading to RCE. The root cause is a missing or inadequate file type validation and content validation mechanism. The lack of proper input sanitization and output encoding further exacerbates the issue, allowing for the execution of arbitrary code.
While no specific APTs are definitively linked to this CVE, the ease of exploitation and public availability of the PoC make it attractive to a wide range of threat actors, including script kiddies and financially motivated groups. The vulnerability could be used as an initial access vector for more sophisticated attacks. CISA KEV: Not listed.
Monitor web server logs for suspicious file uploads, especially to directories associated with user profiles or image storage.
Analyze uploaded files for malicious code using file content analysis tools (e.g., ClamAV, YARA rules).
Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) rules to detect attempts to upload files with specific extensions (e.g., .php, .asp, .jsp) or containing malicious code patterns.
Monitor network traffic for unusual activity originating from the web server, such as connections to suspicious IP addresses or ports.
Review web server configuration files for any misconfigurations that could allow for unauthorized access or execution of code.
Implement robust file type validation on the server-side, ensuring that only allowed image file types are accepted. Use a whitelist approach rather than a blacklist.
Validate the file content using tools like file command or libraries that can determine the actual file type based on its content, not just the extension.
Sanitize all user-supplied input, including filenames and file content, to prevent code injection.
Implement file size limits to prevent denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
Store uploaded files outside of the webroot to prevent direct access.
Regularly update the PHPGurukul Online Course Registration software to the latest version or apply any available security patches.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests and block known exploit attempts.
Review and harden the web server configuration to minimize attack surface.