Pouya Web Shell

The Pouya web shell is an ASP shell that was originally distributed in 2016. The web shell provides a simple interface for carrying out numerous actions on a Windows server. These actions can include uploading files, executing commands, reading/writing registry keys, executing SQL server commands, and retrieving system information. A remote attacker could upload this shell to a web server via another application that is housing a vulnerability or a badly implemented upload functionality. If an attacker can upload and execute this shell, it will compromise the victim server.

Exploitation

Stages

1. The malicious attacker uploads the Pouya web shell to the vulnerable web server via a vulnerability or incorrectly implemented upload functionality.
2. The server responds by indicating a successful upload.
3. The attacker carries out actions on their objectives by executing a command to retrieve system information.
4. The attacker carries out actions on their objectives by executing a command to upload more files.

Prerequisites

The attacker must be able to send crafted packets to the target system.

Alert Logic Coverage

Alert Logic® has evaluated its customer base for exposure to the exploit and has developed signatures for mitigating the threat depending on the security service in place.

The Network-Based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) has been updated with the new signatures for this exploit when detected via Alert Logic Threat Manager™. If this signature is detected, an incident is generated in the Alert Logic console.

Recommendations for Mitigation

Upgrade to a non-vulnerable version of the Windows server to mitigate this vulnerability.