CVE-2015-4425 in Pimcore
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in pimcore before build 3473 allows remote authenticated users with the "assets" permission to create or write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the dir parameter to admin/asset/add-asset-compatibility.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4425 represents a directory traversal flaw within the pimcore content management system prior to build 3473. This security weakness specifically affects authenticated users who possess the "assets" permission level, creating a significant risk for systems that rely on pimcore for asset management. The vulnerability manifests through the manipulation of the dir parameter in the admin/asset/add-asset-compatibility endpoint, where the inclusion of .. (dot dot) sequences enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary file paths on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file handling mechanisms of pimcore's asset management system. When users submit requests containing directory traversal sequences through the dir parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing file operations. This allows malicious actors to craft requests that bypass normal directory restrictions and potentially write to or create files in locations outside the designated asset directories. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the file system interaction components that handle asset uploads and management operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors who have gained legitimate access to pimcore with the appropriate permissions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into existing assets, or create new files that could be exploited for further system compromise. The potential for damage extends beyond simple file manipulation as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges, deploy backdoors, or corrupt the integrity of the entire asset management system. Additionally, the vulnerability affects not just the immediate file system but could potentially compromise the broader application environment if the targeted files are executable or contain configuration data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to pimcore build 3473 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this directory traversal vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit the scope of users who possess the "assets" permission, particularly those who might not require such broad file system access. Input validation should be strengthened across all file operation endpoints, with specific attention to sanitizing directory parameters and implementing proper path normalization techniques. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter for potential exploitation methods. Regular security audits of file system operations and privilege management should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application stack.
The remediation approach should include comprehensive code review of all file handling operations, implementation of proper input validation frameworks, and establishment of automated security testing protocols. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their security posture, as it demonstrates the importance of least privilege principles and proper access control implementation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust input validation and the potential consequences of insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data in file system operations.