CVE-2023-31483 in cbang
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2023
tar/TarFileReader.cpp in Cauldron cbang before bastet-v8.1.17 has a directory traversal during extraction that allows the attacker to create or write to files outside the current directory via a crafted tar archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-31483 affects the tar extraction functionality within the Cauldron cbang library prior to version bastet-v8.1.17. This issue manifests in the TarFileReader.cpp component where improper handling of archive entries enables malicious actors to manipulate file paths during extraction operations. The flaw represents a classic directory traversal vulnerability that can be exploited through carefully crafted tar archives containing malicious file paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the tar extraction process. When processing archive entries, the software fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths that may contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ which could allow attackers to write files outside the intended extraction directory. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability creates an environment where arbitrary file system modifications become possible, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data corruption, or system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on tar archive processing, particularly those that handle untrusted or externally sourced archives. Attackers can exploit this flaw to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into existing programs, or create backdoor access points within the target environment. The impact extends beyond simple file creation as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or persistent access mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automated systems or those that process archives without proper user intervention, as it can be exploited silently without requiring user interaction or specific privileges.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-31483 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to version bastet-v8.1.17 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all archive processing operations and ensure that file paths are properly sanitized before any extraction occurs. Additional protective measures include running archive processing operations with minimal privileges, implementing strict directory boundaries for extraction operations, and monitoring for unusual file system modifications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for malicious file execution, highlighting the potential for lateral movement and persistence once the initial compromise occurs. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms to identify suspicious archive processing activities and establish proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts.