CVE-2022-38485 in AgeVolt
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A directory traversal vulnerability exists in the AgeVolt Portal prior to version 0.1 that leads to Information Disclosure. A remote authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to read files from any location on the target operating system with web server privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2026
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38485 affects the AgeVolt Portal software version 0.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized file access. This vulnerability resides within the application's file handling mechanisms and specifically targets the web server's file system access controls. The flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to exploit the system's inability to properly validate file paths, creating an avenue for arbitrary file reading operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and path validation processes that fail to properly restrict access to system files outside the intended web root directory. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure as this vulnerability can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information that may lead to further exploitation opportunities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user submits malicious input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass the application's intended file access controls. The web server processes these requests without proper validation, allowing the attacker to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted. This flaw typically manifests in applications that dynamically construct file paths based on user input without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates with the privileges of the web server process, meaning that the attacker can potentially access files that are protected by the operating system's permission model but accessible through the web server's execution context. The impact is amplified when considering that the vulnerability affects the entire file system accessible to the web server process, potentially exposing database files, configuration files, source code, and other sensitive data that may contain authentication credentials or system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond immediate information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components that could enable further compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files that may contain database connection strings, API keys, or other sensitive credentials that could facilitate additional attacks. The vulnerability also poses risks to data integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially access and modify sensitive files or disrupt service operations by accessing critical system files. Organizations using affected versions of the AgeVolt Portal face potential compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is accessed through this vulnerability. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication, meaning that insiders or attackers who have obtained legitimate credentials can exploit this vulnerability. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and privileges, and T1566 which involves the use of valid accounts for initial access. The vulnerability also relates to T1213 which covers data from information repositories, indicating that attackers can access stored data through this path traversal mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the AgeVolt Portal to version 0.1 or later, where the directory traversal issue has been resolved. Organizations should implement robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent traversal sequences from being processed as part of file paths. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file access, where only predetermined files or directories are allowed, provides an additional layer of protection against such vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the damage that can be caused by authenticated users, ensuring that even if they can access files, they cannot access critical system resources. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that web server processes run with minimal required permissions and cannot access sensitive system files. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for administrators and developers should emphasize the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.