Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the file upload functionality of HAXCMS PHP versions 11.0.6 up to but not including 25.0.0. The system only validates the file extension using a regex pattern and does not verify the actual file content or MIME type. This allows attackers to upload malicious files, such as PHP webshells, disguised as legitimate image files.

Because the uploaded files are saved without proper content validation, an attacker can upload a file named something like 'evil.php.jpg' containing PHP code. If the server is misconfigured, this code can be executed remotely, potentially giving the attacker control over the server.

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Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to remote code execution on the server hosting HAXCMS. An attacker who successfully uploads a malicious file can execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining full control over the server.

This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, defacement of websites, or use of the server as a launchpad for further attacks.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by checking for suspicious files uploaded to the /files/ directory that have double extensions such as .php.jpg and contain PHP code inside. Since the system only validates file extensions via regex and does not verify MIME type or file content before saving, files with disguised extensions may be present.

You can search for potentially malicious uploaded files by running commands that look for files with suspicious extensions and PHP content. For example:

• Find files with double extensions like .php.jpg: find /path/to/haxcms/files/ -type f -name "*.php.*"
• Check if these files contain PHP code: grep -rl "<?php" /path/to/haxcms/files/
• Alternatively, use the 'file' command to check MIME types of uploaded files: file /path/to/haxcms/files/*

Monitoring web server logs for unusual requests to files in the /files/ directory that execute PHP code can also help detect exploitation attempts.

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability immediately, you should upgrade HAXCMS PHP to version 25.0.0 or later, where the issue is fixed.

Until the upgrade is applied, implement the following steps:

• Disable or restrict file upload functionality to trusted users only.
• Manually validate uploaded files by checking their MIME type and file content before saving.
• Store uploaded files outside the web root or configure the web server to serve them with Content-Disposition: attachment to prevent execution.
• Scan the /files/ directory for any existing malicious files and remove them.
• Review and harden web server configurations to prevent execution of files in upload directories.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious files disguised as legitimate images, potentially leading to remote code execution and full server compromise.

Such a security breach can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, which may violate data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA that require strict controls to protect personal and health information.

Failure to properly validate file uploads and prevent remote code execution could lead to non-compliance with these standards due to inadequate security measures and potential data breaches.

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