CVE-2023-3172 in froxlor
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
Path Traversal in GitHub repository froxlor/froxlor prior to 2.0.20.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-3172 represents a critical path traversal flaw discovered in the froxlor web hosting control panel repository prior to version 2.0.20. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access unauthorized system resources. The vulnerability specifically affects the repository's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface where arbitrary file access can be achieved through carefully crafted requests.
The technical implementation of this path traversal vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input that influences file system operations such as file inclusion, download, or upload functionalities. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input sequences that contain directory traversal characters like "../" or similar constructs that bypass normal path validation. The flaw typically manifests in scenarios where the application uses user-provided data to construct file paths without proper validation, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple unauthorized file access. An attacker who successfully exploits this path traversal flaw can potentially read sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information stored outside the web root directory. The attack surface is particularly concerning for web hosting control panels like froxlor, which often maintain access to multiple customer accounts and system resources. Depending on the system configuration and file permissions, exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further escalation to other system components.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and credential access. The exploitation process typically involves reconnaissance to identify vulnerable endpoints followed by crafted payload delivery that leverages the path traversal flaw to access restricted resources. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.0.20 or later, as this represents the first release that addresses the identified path traversal vulnerabilities. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation at all entry points, employing secure coding practices for file system operations, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns.
The remediation strategy should focus on comprehensive code review and input sanitization across all file handling functions within the froxlor application. Developers should implement strict path validation that ensures all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being used in file system operations. This includes implementing proper directory traversal checks, using secure file access methods that prevent path manipulation, and establishing proper access controls for system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security testing procedures that can detect similar vulnerabilities in other applications and services within their infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing common attack patterns that can lead to severe security breaches and unauthorized system access.