CVE-2019-5417 in Serve
Summary
by MITRE
A path traversal vulnerability in serve npm package version 7.0.1 allows the attackers to read content of arbitrary files on the remote server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5417 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the serve npm package version 7.0.1, exposing remote attackers to unauthorized file access capabilities. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file paths within the package's file serving mechanism. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate file path parameters to access files beyond the intended directory boundaries, potentially compromising sensitive data stored on the server. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the serve package is used to serve static content, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by remote unauthenticated users.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability occurs through improper sanitization of user-supplied path parameters in the file serving functionality. When the serve package processes requests for static files, it fails to adequately validate or sanitize the requested file paths, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\. This weakness enables attackers to navigate the file system hierarchy and access arbitrary files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that directly relates to improper input validation and access control mechanisms. The flaw exists in the package's file resolution logic where it directly uses user-provided paths without proper normalization or validation against a safe directory whitelist.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5417 is substantial, as it can lead to complete compromise of the affected server's file system contents. Attackers can potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of the serve package, which could be deployed in various environments including development servers, staging environments, and production systems. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations that rely on npm packages for web serving functionality, as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially use the retrieved information to escalate privileges, conduct further attacks, or compromise the integrity of the entire system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their systems. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of the serve npm package where the path traversal vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and path sanitization. Security teams should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules and web application firewalls to restrict access to file serving endpoints. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable package across their infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are in place. The mitigation approach should align with security best practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on preventing privilege escalation and unauthorized access to system resources. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also establishing proper incident response procedures to address any successful attacks that may occur.