CVE-2018-3714 in node-srv
Summary
by MITRE
node-srv node module suffers from a Path Traversal vulnerability due to lack of validation of url, which allows a malicious user to read content of any file with known path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3714 affects the node-srv node module, representing a critical path traversal flaw that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the URL handling process. This vulnerability resides in the module's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-provided URLs, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate file paths to access arbitrary files on the underlying system. The root cause of this issue aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the node-srv module processes user-supplied URLs without adequate validation of path components. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing sequences such as ../ or ..\ that allow them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected. This flaw specifically targets the module's file serving capabilities, where it fails to implement proper path normalization or validation checks that would prevent such traversal attempts. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the file system, potentially including configuration files, source code, or other confidential data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and potentially escalate their privileges. When the node-srv module is deployed in production environments, particularly those handling sensitive data or serving web content, this vulnerability creates a significant risk vector for attackers seeking to compromise system integrity. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where the module might be used to serve static content or handle file retrieval operations, as it could allow unauthorized access to databases, application configuration files, or system credentials stored in accessible locations. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3714 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected node-srv module to the latest version that addresses the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all URL parameters and normalize file paths before processing user requests. The implementation of secure coding practices, including the use of allowlists for valid file paths and proper directory traversal prevention techniques, should be enforced throughout the application architecture. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious path traversal patterns in application logs, and regular security assessments should verify that all dependencies are updated to versions free from known vulnerabilities. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories, and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of web applications.