CVE-2020-7772 in doc-path
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2020
This affects the package doc-path before 2.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7772 impacts the doc-path package version 2.1.1 and earlier, representing a directory traversal flaw that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the package's file path handling mechanisms, creating a potential security risk for applications that rely on this dependency. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a utility package commonly used in documentation generation and file management contexts, making it a potential attack vector in various development environments.
The technical flaw manifests when the doc-path package processes user-provided file paths without proper sanitization or validation checks. This allows malicious actors to manipulate input parameters to navigate to unintended directories and access sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal attack pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that includes sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal path restrictions and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to read configuration files, source code, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the same system. Applications using vulnerable versions of doc-path may inadvertently expose critical system components when processing user inputs or documentation paths. This vulnerability particularly affects development environments where documentation tools process user-generated content, making it a significant concern for continuous integration pipelines and automated documentation systems. The risk is amplified in environments where the affected package is used in conjunction with other components that handle sensitive data or execute privileged operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7772 involve upgrading to version 2.1.2 or later of the doc-path package, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected versions and implement immediate patching procedures. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as input validation at multiple layers, restricting file system access permissions for applications using this package, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The remediation approach aligns with standard security practices outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059 for command and script injection, as attackers may attempt to exploit this vulnerability to execute unauthorized commands through manipulated file paths. Regular security scanning and dependency management practices should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into development environments, ensuring that all third-party packages are regularly updated to their latest secure versions.