CVE-2023-41886 in OpenRefine
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2023
OpenRefine is a powerful free, open source tool for working with messy data. Prior to version 3.7.5, an arbitrary file read vulnerability allows any unauthenticated user to read a file on a server. Version 3.7.5 fixes this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41886 represents a critical arbitrary file read flaw in OpenRefine, a widely used open source data cleaning and transformation tool that processes messy datasets through its web-based interface. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.7.5 and exposes servers to unauthorized file access by any unauthenticated user, fundamentally undermining the security posture of systems running affected versions. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and retrieve sensitive data from the server's file system without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in file path parameters, enabling them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted. The vulnerability specifically impacts OpenRefine's web interface where file operations are processed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the tool is deployed on servers with sensitive data or configuration files accessible through the application's file system.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on OpenRefine for data processing tasks, as it allows attackers to potentially access database configuration files, application secrets, system credentials, and other sensitive information stored on the server. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as unauthorized access to configuration files may reveal database connection strings, API keys, or other credentials that could enable further attacks against the broader infrastructure. Additionally, the vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of data processing workflows, as attackers could read intermediate data files or configuration parameters that might contain personally identifiable information or other sensitive business data.
The remediation for CVE-2023-41886 is straightforward and involves upgrading to OpenRefine version 3.7.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should prioritize this update across all systems running affected versions and conduct thorough testing to ensure that the upgrade does not disrupt existing data processing workflows. Security teams should also review access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure of OpenRefine instances to untrusted networks, implementing additional monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers File and Directory Discovery, as attackers could potentially enumerate and access files on the system through this arbitrary read capability, making it a critical security concern for any organization utilizing this data processing tool.