CWE-434
AllowedUnrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product allows the upload or transfer of dangerous file types that are automatically processed within its environment.
6009 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-96PR-35F4-CF4C
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:45 – Updated: 2025-12-12 21:31An exploitable remote code execution vulnerability exists in the upload.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can upload a file, resulting in executable code being uploaded, and routable, to the webserver. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-4063"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-05-06T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An exploitable remote code execution vulnerability exists in the upload.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can upload a file, resulting in executable code being uploaded, and routable, to the webserver. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-96pr-35f4-cf4c",
"modified": "2025-12-12T21:31:27Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:45:12Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-4063"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-19-122-03"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0748"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-4063"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.forescout.com/blog/ot-network-security-threats-industrial-routers-under-attack"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/152648/Sierra-Wireless-AirLink-ES450-ACEManager-upload.cgi-Remote-Code-Execution.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108147"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-96PX-GWV4-HX55
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-25 03:30 – Updated: 2023-09-25 03:30** UNSUPPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** ** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in D-Link DAR-7000 and DAR-8000 up to 20151231. Affected is an unknown function of the file /useratte/web.php. The manipulation of the argument file_upload leads to unrestricted upload. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-240246 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer. NOTE: Vendor was contacted early and confirmed immediately that the product is end-of-life. It should be retired and replaced.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-5150"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-09-25T02:15:10Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "** UNSUPPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** ** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in D-Link DAR-7000 and DAR-8000 up to 20151231. Affected is an unknown function of the file /useratte/web.php. The manipulation of the argument file_upload leads to unrestricted upload. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-240246 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer. NOTE: Vendor was contacted early and confirmed immediately that the product is end-of-life. It should be retired and replaced.",
"id": "GHSA-96px-gwv4-hx55",
"modified": "2023-09-25T03:30:43Z",
"published": "2023-09-25T03:30:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-5150"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/llixixi/cve/blob/main/D-LINK-DAR-7000_upload_%20web.md"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/llixixi/cve/blob/main/D-LINK-DAR-8000-10_upload_%20web.md"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://supportannouncement.us.dlink.com/announcement/publication.aspx?name=SAP10354"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.240246"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.240246"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-96V6-4GC5-R7JQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-03-11 00:30 – Updated: 2023-03-16 18:30A File Upload vulnerability exists in AvantFAX 3.3.7. An authenticated user can bypass PHP file type validation in FileUpload.php by uploading a specially crafted PHP file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-23328"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-03-10T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A File Upload vulnerability exists in AvantFAX 3.3.7. An authenticated user can bypass PHP file type validation in FileUpload.php by uploading a specially crafted PHP file.",
"id": "GHSA-96v6-4gc5-r7jq",
"modified": "2023-03-16T18:30:30Z",
"published": "2023-03-11T00:30:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-23328"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/superkojiman/vulnerabilities/blob/master/AvantFAX-3.3.7/README.md"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://avantfax.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-96X4-P3V5-F78P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:00 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:00A vulnerability in the conferencing component of Mitel ST 14.2, release GA28 and earlier, could allow an authenticated user to upload a malicious script to the Personal Library by a crafted POST request. Successful exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-16251"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-03-13T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability in the conferencing component of Mitel ST 14.2, release GA28 and earlier, could allow an authenticated user to upload a malicious script to the Personal Library by a crafted POST request. Successful exploit could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the application.",
"id": "GHSA-96x4-p3v5-f78p",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:00:29Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:00:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-16251"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mitel.com/support/security-advisories/mitel-product-security-advisory-18-0004"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-972F-98X3-MWWP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:50 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:50nc-cms through 2017-03-10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the "Upload File or Image" feature, with a .php filename and "Content-Type: application/octet-stream" to the index.php?action=file_manager_upload URI.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-18874"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-10-31T16:29:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "nc-cms through 2017-03-10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the \"Upload File or Image\" feature, with a .php filename and \"Content-Type: application/octet-stream\" to the index.php?action=file_manager_upload URI.",
"id": "GHSA-972f-98x3-mwwp",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:50:41Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:50:41Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-18874"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/gnat/nc-cms/issues/11"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-974V-472P-48VR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-05 06:31 – Updated: 2026-04-08 18:34The Omnipress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File uploads in all versions up to, and including, 1.6.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses the SVG file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-12163"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434",
"CWE-79"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-05T06:16:06Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Omnipress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File uploads in all versions up to, and including, 1.6.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses the SVG file.",
"id": "GHSA-974v-472p-48vr",
"modified": "2026-04-08T18:34:00Z",
"published": "2025-12-05T06:31:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-12163"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/434.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://owasp.org/www-community/vulnerabilities/Unrestricted_File_Upload"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/omnipress/tags/1.6.3/includes/Core/RestControllersBase.php#L81"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/omnipress/tags/1.6.3/includes/RestApi/Controllers/V1/FileUploadRestController.php#L57"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/omnipress/tags/1.6.3/includes/uploader/FileUploader.php#L106"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/omnipress/tags/1.6.3/includes/uploader/FileUploader.php#L85"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail=\u0026reponame=\u0026old=3415108%40omnipress\u0026new=3415108%40omnipress\u0026sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail="
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/15aabe3b-1b77-4e4e-9710-cf06924dbcbf?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9759-W49C-9J8F
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-08-30 15:31 – Updated: 2024-08-30 15:31A vulnerability classified as critical was found in SourceCodester Petshop Management System 1.0. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /controllers/add_user.php. The manipulation of the argument avatar leads to unrestricted upload. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-8341"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-08-30T15:15:21Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A vulnerability classified as critical was found in SourceCodester Petshop Management System 1.0. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /controllers/add_user.php. The manipulation of the argument avatar leads to unrestricted upload. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.",
"id": "GHSA-9759-w49c-9j8f",
"modified": "2024-08-30T15:31:31Z",
"published": "2024-08-30T15:31:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-8341"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/enjoyworld/webray.com.cn/blob/main/cves/Petshop_Management_System/Petshop_Management_System%20add_user.php%20any%20file%20upload.md"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.276220"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.276220"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?submit.399661"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.sourcecodester.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-975Q-7MXH-V8GJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-06 19:24 – Updated: 2026-04-08 18:32The Envato Elements & Download and Template Kit – Import plugins for WordPress are vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient validation of file type upon extracting uploaded Zip files in the installFreeTemplateKit and uploadTemplateKitZipFile functions. This makes it possible for attackers with contributor-lever permissions and above to upload arbitrary files and potentially gain remote code execution in versions up to and including 1.0.13 of Template Kit – Import and versions up to and including 2.0.10 of Envato Elements & Download.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-4330"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-03-07T14:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The Envato Elements \u0026 Download and Template Kit \u2013 Import plugins for WordPress are vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient validation of file type upon extracting uploaded Zip files in the installFreeTemplateKit and uploadTemplateKitZipFile functions. This makes it possible for attackers with contributor-lever permissions and above to upload arbitrary files and potentially gain remote code execution in versions up to and including 1.0.13 of Template Kit \u2013 Import and versions up to and including 2.0.10 of Envato Elements \u0026 Download.",
"id": "GHSA-975q-7mxh-v8gj",
"modified": "2026-04-08T18:32:03Z",
"published": "2023-07-06T19:24:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-4330"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail=\u0026reponame=\u0026old=2617529%40envato-elements\u0026new=2617529%40envato-elements\u0026sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail="
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/68fe17e2-d5ab-4ebd-a5c6-d65cea327abd"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/68fe17e2-d5ab-4ebd-a5c6-d65cea327abd?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-976H-HGXF-4VRC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-08 03:47 – Updated: 2026-06-08 03:47WordPress Theme Travelscape 1.0.3 contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to upload malicious files by exploiting insufficient validation in the theme's upload functionality. Attackers can upload arbitrary files to the theme directory and execute them to achieve remote code execution on the affected WordPress installation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-58349"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-08T02:16:23Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "WordPress Theme Travelscape 1.0.3 contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to upload malicious files by exploiting insufficient validation in the theme\u0027s upload functionality. Attackers can upload arbitrary files to the theme directory and execute them to achieve remote code execution on the affected WordPress installation.",
"id": "GHSA-976h-hgxf-4vrc",
"modified": "2026-06-08T03:47:24Z",
"published": "2026-06-08T03:47:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-58349"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51969"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wordpress-theme-travelscape-arbitrary-file-upload"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-979X-3P5W-QVGC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:03 – Updated: 2026-07-05 00:31vFairs 3.3 is affected by Remote Code Execution. Any user logged in to a vFairs virtual conference or event can abuse the functionality to upload a profile picture in order to place a malicious PHP file on the server and gain code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-26678"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-05-26T12:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "vFairs 3.3 is affected by Remote Code Execution. Any user logged in to a vFairs virtual conference or event can abuse the functionality to upload a profile picture in order to place a malicious PHP file on the server and gain code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-979x-3p5w-qvgc",
"modified": "2026-07-05T00:31:19Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:03:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-26678"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://api.vfairs.com/v1/profiles"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.huntress.com/blog/zero-day-vulnerabilities-in-popular-event-management-platforms-could-leave-msps-open-to-attack"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://vfairs.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Generate a new, unique filename for an uploaded file instead of using the user-supplied filename, so that no external input is used at all.[REF-422] [REF-423]
Mitigation MIT-21
Strategy: Enforcement by Conversion
When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
Mitigation
Consider storing the uploaded files outside of the web document root entirely. Then, use other mechanisms to deliver the files dynamically. [REF-423]
Mitigation MIT-5
Strategy: Input Validation
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
- For example, limiting filenames to alphanumeric characters can help to restrict the introduction of unintended file extensions.
Mitigation
Define a very limited set of allowable extensions and only generate filenames that end in these extensions. Consider the possibility of XSS (CWE-79) before allowing .html or .htm file types.
Mitigation
Strategy: Input Validation
Ensure that only one extension is used in the filename. Some web servers, including some versions of Apache, may process files based on inner extensions so that "filename.php.gif" is fed to the PHP interpreter.[REF-422] [REF-423]
Mitigation
When running on a web server that supports case-insensitive filenames, perform case-insensitive evaluations of the extensions that are provided.
Mitigation MIT-15
For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
Mitigation
Do not rely exclusively on sanity checks of file contents to ensure that the file is of the expected type and size. It may be possible for an attacker to hide code in some file segments that will still be executed by the server. For example, GIF images may contain a free-form comments field.
Mitigation
Do not rely exclusively on the MIME content type or filename attribute when determining how to render a file. Validating the MIME content type and ensuring that it matches the extension is only a partial solution.
Mitigation MIT-17
Strategy: Environment Hardening
Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks [REF-76]. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.
Mitigation MIT-22
Strategy: Sandbox or Jail
- Run the code in a "jail" or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which files can be accessed in a particular directory or which commands can be executed by the software.
- OS-level examples include the Unix chroot jail, AppArmor, and SELinux. In general, managed code may provide some protection. For example, java.io.FilePermission in the Java SecurityManager allows the software to specify restrictions on file operations.
- This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of the application may still be subject to compromise.
- Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
CAPEC-1: Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs
In applications, particularly web applications, access to functionality is mitigated by an authorization framework. This framework maps Access Control Lists (ACLs) to elements of the application's functionality; particularly URL's for web apps. In the case that the administrator failed to specify an ACL for a particular element, an attacker may be able to access it with impunity. An attacker with the ability to access functionality not properly constrained by ACLs can obtain sensitive information and possibly compromise the entire application. Such an attacker can access resources that must be available only to users at a higher privilege level, can access management sections of the application, or can run queries for data that they otherwise not supposed to.