CVE-2022-31538 in mp-m08-interface
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2022
The joaopedro-fg/mp-m08-interface repository through 2020-12-10 on GitHub allows absolute path traversal because the Flask send_file function is used unsafely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31538 resides within the joaopedro-fg/mp-m08-interface repository, a web application built using the Flask framework that was active through December 10, 2020. This security flaw represents a critical path traversal vulnerability that stems from improper implementation of file handling mechanisms within the Flask web framework. The repository's exposure to this vulnerability occurred due to the unsafe usage of Flask's send_file function, which is designed to serve files from the server to clients but can be exploited when not properly configured with appropriate security constraints.
The technical implementation flaw involves the Flask send_file function being invoked without proper sanitization or validation of file paths provided by user input. When a web application utilizes send_file to deliver files to users, it typically expects relative paths or explicitly defined file locations within the application's designated directories. However, in this case, the application appears to accept absolute paths or paths that can be manipulated to traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries. This unsafe practice allows an attacker to specify arbitrary file paths that may lead to sensitive files being accessed and potentially downloaded by unauthorized users. The vulnerability specifically enables absolute path traversal, where an attacker can navigate through the file system hierarchy using path manipulation techniques to access files outside the intended application directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially allow attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, or other confidential information stored on the server. The consequences of such an exploitation scenario can be severe, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application has access to privileged system resources. The vulnerability affects all users of the repository who have not implemented proper input validation or path sanitization measures, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where the application may be processing untrusted input from external users. Security researchers have classified this as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for widespread exploitation and the ease with which path traversal attacks can be executed against improperly configured web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and path sanitization measures within the Flask application. The recommended approach involves using Flask's built-in security features such as the use of send_file with proper path validation, ensuring that all file paths are resolved relative to a predetermined safe directory, and implementing comprehensive input sanitization to prevent path manipulation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for the web application, limiting its access to only necessary system resources. Additionally, security measures such as implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security code reviews, and ensuring proper configuration of the Flask framework can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in various security frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access tactics, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and potentially enable further attack progression within the compromised environment.