CVE-2018-3725 in hekto
Summary
by MITRE
hekto node module suffers from a Path Traversal vulnerability due to lack of validation of file, 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 hekto node module vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw that fundamentally compromises file system security within Node.js applications. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file paths before processing user-supplied data. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file access requests by crafting malicious path sequences that bypass normal file system restrictions. When the module processes these unvalidated paths, it executes file operations against arbitrary locations within the system's file hierarchy, creating an unauthorized access vector that can be exploited across multiple operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal vulnerabilities, which are classified as fundamental security flaws in file system access controls. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting crafted file paths containing sequences like ../ or ..\ that traverse up directory structures to access files outside the intended scope. The vulnerability specifically affects the node module's file reading functions that do not properly validate or sanitize input parameters before executing system calls. This allows malicious actors to read sensitive files such as configuration data, credential stores, or system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3725 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise potential. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to access critical system information, including but not limited to database credentials, application configuration files, and system logs. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Node.js applications often run with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications that utilize the hekto module for file operations, command line interfaces, or any interface that accepts user input for file path parameters. The vulnerability's persistence across different environments makes it particularly dangerous for organizations deploying Node.js applications in production.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing comprehensive input validation that sanitizes all file path parameters through proper path resolution and normalization techniques. Security teams should apply the latest module updates from the maintainers and consider implementing additional layers of protection such as file access control lists, restricted file system permissions, and application firewalls. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to TA0006 Credential Access and TA0005 Defense Evasion techniques, requiring defensive measures that include process monitoring, file integrity checking, and network traffic analysis to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.