CVE-2014-3744 in st Module
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the st module before 0.2.5 for Node.js allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a %2e%2e (encoded dot dot) in an unspecified path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2021
The CVE-2014-3744 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the st module for Node.js, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.2.5. This vulnerability exposes applications using the st module to potential unauthorized file access attacks by allowing remote adversaries to manipulate file paths through encoded directory traversal sequences. The st module serves as a static file server for Node.js applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could enable attackers to access sensitive files that should remain protected within the application's file system. The vulnerability manifests when the module processes file paths containing %2e%2e sequences, which represent encoded dot-dot components that should normally be rejected or properly sanitized during path resolution operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of encoded path sequences within the st module's file resolution logic. When an attacker submits a request containing %2e%2e sequences in the path parameter, the module fails to adequately validate or sanitize these inputs, allowing the traversal mechanism to interpret these encoded sequences as legitimate directory navigation commands. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and path sanitization within the module's core file handling routines, creating a direct pathway for attackers to bypass normal file system access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3744 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive application data, configuration files, and system resources to unauthorized access. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could access database connection strings, application secrets, user credentials, and other confidential information stored within the application's file system. The vulnerability affects Node.js applications that utilize the st module for serving static content, making it particularly relevant for web applications, content management systems, and any platform that relies on static file serving capabilities. This weakness directly contradicts security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the issue of sensitive data exposure through improper file access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3744 primarily focus on upgrading to version 0.2.5 or later of the st module, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as validating all file path inputs through proper sanitization routines, implementing strict path resolution policies, and employing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in security design, where applications should never trust user-provided inputs and should always validate and sanitize all external data before processing. Security practitioners should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file access patterns and alert on potential directory traversal attempts, as this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains, specifically targeting the technique of path traversal to gain unauthorized access to system resources.