CVE-2018-13864 in Play Framework
Summary
by MITRE
A directory traversal vulnerability has been found in the Assets controller in Play Framework 2.6.12 through 2.6.15 (fixed in 2.6.16) when running on Windows. It allows a remote attacker to download arbitrary files from the target server via specially crafted HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2018-13864 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Play Framework's Assets controller component affecting versions 2.6.12 through 2.6.15 when deployed on Windows operating systems. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation in how the framework handles file path resolution within its asset serving functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to access unauthorized files on the server. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows file system implementation where path traversal techniques can exploit the framework's handling of forward slashes and backslashes in file requests. Security researchers identified that when the Assets controller processes HTTP requests for static assets, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the requested file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate the path resolution logic through carefully crafted requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through HTTP requests that contain malicious path components designed to navigate outside the intended asset directory. Attackers can construct requests that appear legitimate to the framework but actually resolve to arbitrary file locations on the Windows server filesystem. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages the inherent differences in path handling between Unix-like and Windows systems, where the Play Framework's implementation does not adequately account for Windows-specific path resolution behaviors. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where sensitive files such as configuration files, source code, or database credentials might be accessible through the asset serving mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-13864 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially compromise entire server environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to retrieve sensitive application configuration files, database connection strings, API keys, or other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability affects organizations running Play Framework applications in production environments, particularly those with web applications that serve static assets through the framework's built-in asset controller. Organizations may face significant security implications including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential system compromise if attackers can access sensitive files stored in the application's directory structure. The vulnerability is especially concerning for applications that use the default Play Framework asset serving behavior without additional security controls or custom path validation mechanisms. The attack surface is broad since any Play Framework application serving static assets through the Assets controller on Windows systems is potentially vulnerable, making this a widespread concern across organizations deploying this framework version range.
The remediation for CVE-2018-13864 requires immediate upgrade to Play Framework version 2.6.16 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement additional security measures including input validation for all asset requests, custom path sanitization logic, and proper access controls for asset directories. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all Play Framework applications within their environment and ensure proper patching protocols are followed. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection while awaiting full patch deployment. The fix implemented in version 2.6.16 addresses the core path traversal logic by strengthening input validation and ensuring proper path resolution behavior across different operating systems. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect similar vulnerabilities in their application code and dependencies, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web frameworks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely patch management and the potential consequences of inadequate path validation in web applications that serve static content.