CVE-2014-0053 in Grails-resources
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of the Resources plugin 1.0.0 before 1.2.6 for Pivotal Grails 2.0.0 before 2.3.6 does not properly restrict access to files in the WEB-INF directory, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request. NOTE: this identifier has been SPLIT due to different researchers and different vulnerability types. See CVE-2014-2857 for the META-INF variant and CVE-2014-2858 for the directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0053 represents a critical access control flaw within the Resources plugin for Pivotal Grails framework versions prior to 1.2.6. This issue stems from the default configuration that fails to properly restrict access to sensitive files located within the WEB-INF directory structure. The WEB-INF directory is a standard security mechanism in java web applications designed to prevent direct client access to internal application components including configuration files, class files, and other sensitive resources. When this protection is bypassed, attackers can directly request files within this restricted area, potentially gaining access to confidential application data, configuration parameters, or internal implementation details that should remain hidden from external parties.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to access protected resources. The flaw operates through a simple yet effective attack vector where remote adversaries can construct direct requests to specific file paths within the WEB-INF directory. This misconfiguration essentially removes the security boundary that should exist between the web application's public interface and its internal resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core framework configuration rather than individual application code, meaning that any application using the affected Grails version and Resources plugin configuration is potentially exposed to this attack.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0053 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When attackers gain access to files within WEB-INF, they may obtain sensitive configuration data including database connection strings, cryptographic keys, or application-specific settings that could be used to compromise the entire application. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to discover application architecture details that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. This information disclosure can be particularly damaging in environments where applications handle sensitive data or operate in regulated compliance domains where unauthorized access to internal components could result in significant security breaches and regulatory violations.
The security implications of this vulnerability are further amplified by its relationship to the broader ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques involving credential access and reconnaissance. The ability to directly access WEB-INF files represents a reconnaissance technique that allows attackers to gather intelligence about the target application's internal structure and configuration. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable privilege escalation or lateral movement within the application environment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched versions of the Resources plugin and Grails framework, reviewing and hardening default configurations, and implementing additional access controls and monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper security configuration management and the potential consequences of relying on default settings that may not adequately protect sensitive application components.
This vulnerability was subsequently split into related CVEs CVE-2014-2857 and CVE-2014-2858 to better categorize the specific types of attacks possible, with CVE-2014-2857 addressing META-INF access issues and CVE-2014-2858 covering directory traversal concerns. The split reflects the broader understanding that access control vulnerabilities in web applications can manifest in multiple forms and attack vectors. Organizations should ensure that all related vulnerabilities are addressed through comprehensive patch management processes and security assessments. The incident also highlights the importance of security testing during application development and deployment phases to identify and remediate such configuration-level issues before they can be exploited in production environments.