CVE-2018-16482 in mcstatic
Summary
by MITRE
A server directory traversal vulnerability was found on node module mcstatic <=0.0.20 that would allow an attack to access sensitive information in the file system by appending slashes in the URL path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16482 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the mcstatic node module version 0.0.20 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the module's file serving implementation. The issue manifests when malicious actors manipulate URL paths by appending slashes or other traversal sequences, allowing unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from improper handling of user-supplied input in web applications, creating pathways for attackers to explore the underlying file system beyond the designated boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL path parameters that are processed by the mcstatic module. When the module receives a request containing traversal sequences such as double dots followed by forward slashes or other path manipulation techniques, it fails to properly sanitize these inputs before resolving file paths. This allows attackers to navigate to arbitrary locations within the server's file system, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, source code, database credentials, or other confidential data that should remain protected from external access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, bypassing typical web application security controls and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-16482 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks within the compromised environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to critical system files, application configuration data, or even sensitive user information stored on the server. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing database credentials, API keys, or cryptographic materials are accessible. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of path traversal attacks that have been documented across numerous web applications and frameworks.
Organizations utilizing the mcstatic module in version 0.0.20 or earlier face significant security risks that require immediate attention and remediation. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that can be exploited by threat actors with minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. Mitigation strategies should include immediate upgrade to a patched version of the mcstatic module, implementation of proper input validation and path sanitization controls, and deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other instances of similar vulnerabilities within their application stacks, as path traversal flaws often indicate broader security implementation gaps. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, highlighting the reconnaissance phase that attackers typically initiate after gaining initial access to systems.