CVE-2023-25814 in metersphere
Summary
by MITRE • 03/09/2023
metersphere is an open source continuous testing platform. In versions prior to 2.7.1 a user who has permission to create a resource file through UI operations is able to append a path to their submission query which will be read by the system and displayed to the user. This allows a users of the system to read arbitrary files on the filesystem of the server so long as the server process itself has permission to read the requested files. This issue has been addressed in version 2.7.1. All users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25814 affects the metersphere continuous testing platform, a widely used open source tool for automated testing and quality assurance processes. This security flaw exists in versions prior to 2.7.1 and represents a critical path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated users to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The issue stems from improper input validation within the resource file creation functionality, where user-supplied path information is directly processed and displayed without adequate sanitization or access control enforcement. The vulnerability specifically impacts the file upload and resource management components of the platform, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access that could potentially expose sensitive system information, configuration files, or proprietary data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages a classic path traversal attack vector where a malicious user can manipulate file path parameters through the user interface to navigate the filesystem beyond intended boundaries. When users create resource files through the graphical interface, the system accepts and processes path information that should normally be restricted or validated. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user inputs that contain file path references, allowing attackers to append directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" as attackers may exploit this to extract sensitive data from server filesystems. The system processes these path inputs without adequate context validation, creating a direct attack surface that enables reading files accessible to the server process running the metersphere application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive data stored on the server filesystem. Attackers with the ability to create resource files through the UI can exploit this vulnerability to read configuration files, database credentials, application logs, or other system files that may contain authentication tokens, API keys, or other confidential information. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as users only need permission to create resource files rather than elevated system access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the platform, as any user with resource creation permissions could potentially access sensitive system information. The impact is further compounded by the fact that the server process typically runs with elevated privileges, meaning that attackers could potentially access files that would otherwise be protected by standard filesystem permissions.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-25814 involves immediate upgrade to version 2.7.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control measures to limit resource file creation permissions to only trusted users who require such functionality for legitimate testing purposes. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of file access controls and implement additional monitoring for unusual file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper access control implementation in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied file paths. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in version 2.7.1 addresses the core issue by properly validating and sanitizing file path inputs, preventing directory traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file references. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of their testing infrastructure or related applications that may share similar input handling patterns.