CVE-2023-25307 in mrpack-install
Summary
by MITRE • 06/26/2023
nothub mrpack-install <= v0.16.2 is vulnerable to Directory Traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25307 affects the nothub mrpack-install tool version 0.16.2 and earlier, presenting a critical directory traversal security flaw that allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. This issue specifically manifests in the tool's handling of file paths during mrpack installation processes, where inadequate input validation permits malicious actors to manipulate path resolution mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided file paths, enabling attackers to craft malicious input that can traverse directories beyond the intended installation boundaries. When the tool processes mrpack files containing specially crafted paths, it fails to properly validate or canonicalize these paths before performing file operations, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file access and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability follows the common pattern where relative path components such as ../ or ..\ are not properly filtered or resolved, allowing attackers to navigate the filesystem hierarchy. The flaw exists in the path processing logic where the tool accepts mrpack metadata containing file references without adequate validation of the path components. This weakness can be exploited through crafted mrpack files that contain malicious path references, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive files, write arbitrary files to unintended locations, or even execute code if the tool operates with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts the installation and extraction phases of mrpack packages, where file paths are resolved and processed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted mrpack files are handled.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-25307 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to read system configuration files, access sensitive credentials stored in adjacent directories, or overwrite critical system files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated environments where mrpack installations occur without manual oversight, as it could be exploited through supply chain attacks or by compromising package repositories. Organizations relying on nothub mrpack-install for mod management in gaming or software development environments face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to development environments or production systems. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that mrpack files are often distributed through trusted channels, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-25307 should focus on immediate remediation through version updates to nothub mrpack-install v0.16.3 or later, which contain proper path validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all file path operations, ensuring that relative path components are properly resolved and that file access is restricted to intended directories. The implementation of secure path resolution techniques, including canonical path normalization and access control enforcement, should be mandatory for any tool processing user-provided file paths. System administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for mrpack installation processes and establish network segmentation to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their software supply chains and implement automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious mrpack files before installation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter for potential exploitation pathways, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities.