CVE-2018-3734 in stattic Module
Summary
by MITRE
stattic node module suffers from a Path Traversal vulnerability due to lack of validation of path, which allows a malicious user to read content of any file with known path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2020
The CVE-2018-3734 vulnerability resides within the stattic node module, a component commonly used in web applications for serving static files. This particular flaw represents a critical path traversal vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the module's file handling routines. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied paths before processing them, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's file access controls.
This security weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate file path parameters in such a way that they can access files outside the intended directory structure. When a malicious user crafts a request containing specially formatted path sequences, the module processes these inputs without adequate validation, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server's filesystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose critical system files, configuration data, application source code, and user credentials stored in accessible locations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files from the server, potentially gaining access to database connection strings, API keys, private keys, and other sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where the node module is used to serve static content and where the application runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3734 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Developers must ensure that all user-supplied path parameters are rigorously validated before being processed by the module. This includes implementing strict path normalization, using allowlists of permitted file paths, and employing secure file access patterns that prevent traversal outside intended directories. Additionally, organizations should consider updating to patched versions of the stattic module or implementing alternative static file serving solutions that properly handle path validation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in preventing path traversal attacks, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.