CVE-2023-2984 in pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2023
Path Traversal: '\..\filename' in GitHub repository pimcore/pimcore prior to 10.5.22.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2984 represents a path traversal flaw within the pimcore content management platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.5.22. This issue manifests when the application processes file paths containing the sequence '\.. ilename' which can be exploited to access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file path parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's file access mechanisms through crafted malicious inputs. Such path traversal vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in web applications as they can enable unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially lead to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in how pimcore handles file operations and path resolution within its file management system. When processing user-supplied file paths that contain the problematic '\.. ilename' pattern, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and traverse the file system to access files that should be restricted. The vulnerability specifically affects the file handling components of pimcore's core functionality, particularly those related to media management and file access controls. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-22 Path Traversal, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. The issue demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2984 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to potentially enable more severe compromise scenarios. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other critical system artifacts. The vulnerability affects pimcore installations that handle file uploads or have file access functionality, making it particularly concerning for content management systems that process user-generated content. In environments where pimcore is used for enterprise content management, this vulnerability could expose confidential business data, intellectual property, and system configuration details. The attack surface is significant as it can be exploited through various vectors including web interfaces, API endpoints, or file upload handlers that process user-supplied file names. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access restricted file systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2984 require immediate patching of affected pimcore installations to version 10.5.22 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures for all file path parameters, ensuring that any user-supplied input is properly validated before processing. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file path validation that rejects or normalizes any input containing directory traversal sequences such as '../' or '\..'. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures including web application firewalls, file access monitoring, and regular security scanning of deployed applications. Organizations using pimcore should conduct thorough security assessments of their file handling components and implement proper access controls to limit file system access to only necessary operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework to prevent similar issues in the future.