CVE-2019-5423 in http-live-simulator
Summary
by MITRE
Path traversal vulnerability in http-live-simulator npm package version 1.0.5 allows arbitrary path to be accessed on the file system by a remote attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2023
The CVE-2019-5423 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw within the http-live-simulator npm package version 1.0.5, exposing systems to remote code execution and unauthorized data access. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied paths, allowing attackers to manipulate file system access through crafted requests. The flaw specifically affects applications that utilize the http-live-simulator package for serving static content or handling file operations, creating an attack surface where remote adversaries can traverse directories beyond the intended scope of file access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the package's failure to properly validate and sanitize file paths before processing user requests. When an attacker sends a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the http-live-simulator package processes these inputs without adequate filtering, resulting in the system attempting to access files outside the designated directory structure. This behavior directly violates security principles of least privilege and input validation, creating opportunities for attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other unauthorized resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected npm package. Remote attackers can potentially access system files, configuration databases, user credentials, or sensitive application data stored on the same server. The exploitation process typically requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to escalate privileges or extract valuable information. Organizations running web applications that depend on this package may experience data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate data exposure to potentially enable further attack vectors including privilege escalation, lateral movement, or persistent access within compromised environments.
Security mitigations for CVE-2019-5423 should focus on immediate remediation through package updates, with the affected version 1.0.5 requiring replacement with a patched version that implements proper input validation and path sanitization. Organizations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using the http-live-simulator package and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through directory traversal attacks. System administrators should implement proper access controls, regularly audit file system permissions, and monitor for suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, adopting secure coding practices and input validation frameworks can prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development efforts, aligning with industry standards for secure software development lifecycle practices.