CVE-2013-2619 in Aspen
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Aspen before 0.22 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2619 represents a directory traversal flaw in the Aspen web application framework prior to version 0.22. This security weakness allows remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through manipulation of the default URI parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the application's file access routines, creating a pathway for unauthorized file system access. The flaw specifically exploits the handling of directory navigation sequences such as ".." (dot dot) that are commonly used to traverse up directory levels in file systems.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The issue enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive files that should remain protected, including configuration files, source code, or system credentials. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web applications. The vulnerability is rooted in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, which creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the intended file access paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access critical system files, application configuration data, or even database files that contain sensitive user information. The default URI parameter manipulation allows for arbitrary file reads across the entire file system, which means that attackers could potentially access not only application-specific files but also system-level files that could provide additional attack surface. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through directory listing and file access methods, enabling attackers to gather intelligence about the target system's structure and contents.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2619 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should upgrade to Aspen version 0.22 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper path validation mechanisms that reject or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences such as ".." or "%2e%2e" is essential. Web application firewalls and security monitoring systems should be configured to detect and block suspicious URI patterns that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of web application file access routines can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that all file access operations properly validate user input against known safe patterns.