CVE-2015-5688 in Geddy
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in lib/app/index.js in Geddy before 13.0.8 for Node.js allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..%2f (dot dot encoded slash) in the PATH_INFO to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The CVE-2015-5688 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Geddy web application framework for Node.js, specifically affecting versions prior to 13.0.8. This vulnerability resides within the lib/app/index.js file and exploits how the framework handles URL path information through the PATH_INFO parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the server's file system by crafting specially formatted requests that include encoded directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the standard dot-dot-slash sequence encoded as ..%2f within the PATH_INFO parameter of HTTP requests. When Geddy processes these requests, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input path, allowing attackers to navigate upward through the directory structure and access files that should remain protected. This occurs because the application does not adequately filter or normalize path components before processing them, creating a direct pathway to arbitrary file reading capabilities. The vulnerability specifically targets the default URI handling mechanism of the framework, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core application functionality rather than isolated components.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5688 is severe and multifaceted, potentially exposing sensitive server information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and potentially gain full control over affected systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access or authentication to exploit it, significantly expanding the attack surface and making it particularly dangerous for web applications running vulnerable versions of Geddy. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing authentication tokens or cryptographic keys are accessible.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Geddy version 13.0.8 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the underlying flaw in the path handling mechanism. Security practitioners should implement network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls that can detect and block encoded directory traversal sequences, though these solutions are not foolproof and do not address the root cause. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) where attackers might use this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information for further exploitation. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper path sanitization in web application development, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing and adherence to secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in other frameworks and applications.