CVE-2014-2858 in Grails-resources
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Resources plugin 1.0.0 before 1.2.6 for Pivotal Grails 2.0.0 through 2.3.6 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors related to a "configured block." NOTE: this issue was SPLIT from CVE-2014-0053 per ADT2 due to different vulnerability types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2858 affects the Resources plugin version 1.0.0 through 1.2.5 in Pivotal Grails frameworks ranging from version 2.0.0 to 2.3.6. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system information through unspecified vectors connected to a configured block within the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability type aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such vulnerabilities occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is used in file system operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access resources outside the intended directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to navigate the file system and potentially access confidential data, configuration files, or system resources that should remain protected. The issue specifically relates to how the plugin handles configured blocks, suggesting that the vulnerability manifests when the application processes user input through plugin configuration mechanisms rather than through direct file access methods. This particular weakness allows attackers to craft malicious requests that exploit the plugin's handling of path-related parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or further exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability's classification as a directory traversal issue means that it operates by manipulating the relative or absolute paths used in file system calls to access files outside the intended scope of the application's file access permissions.
The security implications of CVE-2014-2858 become particularly concerning when considering the broader attack surface that Grails applications present, as the Resources plugin typically handles static resource management and may be involved in serving application files, configuration data, or other sensitive materials. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access application configuration files containing database credentials, encryption keys, or other sensitive information that could lead to more severe consequences including full system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Grails versions indicates a widespread exposure risk, and the fact that it was split from CVE-2014-0053 suggests that while related, it represents a distinct attack vector with potentially different exploitation methods and impact characteristics. Organizations using affected Grails versions should prioritize patching to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive system information and prevent potential escalation to more severe security incidents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application to upgrade the Resources plugin to version 1.2.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the directory traversal issue. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application's resource handling code can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched environment to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the vulnerability is properly addressed. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potential directory traversal or path manipulation vulnerabilities within the application stack. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the need for continuous security monitoring in web application environments, particularly when dealing with file system operations and resource management components.