CVE-2018-20166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Rukovoditel 2.3.1 has a vulnerability related to file uploads allowing PHP content uploads to be accepted as GIF data. The issue arises from improper handling of file extensions.

Understanding CVE-2018-20166

This CVE involves a file-upload vulnerability in Rukovoditel 2.3.1, specifically in the index.php?module=configuration/save function.

What is CVE-2018-20166?

The vulnerability allows users to upload background images but mishandles the checking of file extensions, leading to the acceptance of PHP content uploads by incorrectly interpreting them as GIF data.

The Impact of CVE- So, 20166

This vulnerability enables attackers to upload malicious PHP files disguised as image files, potentially leading to remote code execution on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20166

The technical details of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the index.php?module=configuration/save function of Rukovoditel 2.3.1
Improper handling of file extensions allows PHP content uploads to be accepted as GIF data
Mishandling of file extensions permits filenames with mixed-case extensions like .pHp

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Rukovoditel 2.3.1
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading PHP files disguised as image files
The system incorrectly interprets PHP content as GIF data, enabling remote code execution

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20166, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable file uploads in, if possible, until a patch is available
Implement strict file extension checks to prevent malicious uploads

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Rukovoditel software to fix known vulnerabilities
Educate users on safe file upload practices to prevent exploitation

Patching and Updates

Check for security updates from the Rukovoditel vendor and apply them promptly to secure the system