CVE-2025-46384: Unrestricted File Upload Leads to Potential Remote Code Execution
Hello, fellow security enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into CVE-2025-46384, a vulnerability that highlights the ever-present dangers of unrestricted file uploads. This flaw could allow attackers to gain significant control over a vulnerable system. Let's break it down.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-46384
- Description: This vulnerability involves the unrestricted upload of files with potentially dangerous types. An attacker could upload a file that, when executed, would compromise the system.
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (HIGH)
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CVSS Explanation:
- AV:N (Network): The vulnerability can be exploited over the network.
- AC:L (Low): The attack requires little to no special access or conditions.
- PR:L (Low): The attacker only needs low-level privileges to exploit the vulnerability (e.g., a standard user account).
- UI:N (None): No user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability.
- S:U (Unchanged): The vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component.
- C:H (High): An attacker can gain significant access to confidential data.
- I:H (High): An attacker can significantly compromise the integrity of the system.
- A:H (High): An attacker can significantly disrupt the availability of the system.
- Exploit Requirements: An attacker needs to have authenticated access to the vulnerable application.
- Affected Vendor, Product, Version: The specific vendor, product, and version are currently undisclosed but are under investigation. This advisory serves as an early warning to check your systems.
- CWE: CWE-434 - Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type.
CWE-434 Explanation: CWE-434 occurs when an application allows users to upload files without properly validating their type. This can enable attackers to upload malicious files (e.g., executables, scripts) and potentially execute them on the server, leading to severe consequences such as remote code execution.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-20: Vulnerability reported to CNA.
- 2025-07-20: CVE ID assigned and initial advisory published.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
The exploitability of this vulnerability is high because it only requires authenticated access. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could potentially upload a malicious script (e.g., PHP, Python) or executable file to gain control of the web server. If the server's configuration allows the execution of uploaded files, the attacker can achieve remote code execution (RCE). This could lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service.
Recommendations
To mitigate the risk of CVE-2025-46384, we strongly recommend the following:
- Implement Strict File Type Validation: Validate file types on both the client-side and server-side. Only allow specific, safe file types to be uploaded (e.g., images, documents) and reject anything else.
- Sanitize File Names: Remove any potentially dangerous characters from file names to prevent attacks like path traversal.
- Store Uploaded Files in a Safe Location: Store uploaded files outside of the webroot, so they cannot be directly accessed or executed.
- Implement Access Controls: Restrict access to uploaded files based on user roles and permissions.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
- Apply Patches: Once a patch is released by the vendor, apply it immediately to mitigate the vulnerability.
Technical Insight
The core issue lies in the lack of proper validation. The application trusts the user-provided file type, which can be easily spoofed. For example, an attacker can rename a malicious executable to have a seemingly harmless extension (e.g., .txt) and bypass the initial file type check. Server-side validation and proper file storage are crucial to prevent exploitation.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Credit for the discovery of this vulnerability goes to the researchers working with the Cyber Security Authority of Israel (cna@cyber.gov.il).
References
Tags
#CVE-2025-46384 #UnrestrictedFileUpload #RemoteCodeExecution #RCE #CWE-434 #CyberSecurity #Vulnerability
Summary: CVE-2025-46384 describes an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in an unspecified application. An authenticated attacker can upload malicious files, potentially leading to remote code execution. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8 (High). Strict file validation, sanitization, and secure storage practices are recommended for mitigation.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-46384
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to remote code execution, allowing an attacker to gain complete control over the vulnerable server. This can result in data theft, system compromise, denial of service, and further lateral movement within the network. The business impact can be significant, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.
Recommendation: Implement strict file type validation on both the client and server sides. Only allow specific, safe file types to be uploaded. Sanitize file names and store uploaded files outside of the webroot. Apply security patches as soon as they are released.
Timeline
- 2025-07-20: Vulnerability reported and CVE ID assigned.