CVE-2023-48848 in ureport
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2023
An arbitrary file read vulnerability in ureport v2.2.9 allows a remote attacker to arbitrarily read files on the server by inserting a crafted path.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48848 represents a critical arbitrary file read flaw within the ureport v2.2.9 software implementation. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system requests. The vulnerability exists in the application's file access routines where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into file path constructions without sufficient sanitization or authorization checks.
This arbitrary file read vulnerability operates by exploiting insufficient validation of file path parameters that are accepted from external sources. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious path parameter and submits it to the affected system, the application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system and access files that should normally be restricted. The flaw typically manifests when the application uses user-supplied data to construct file paths for reading operations, creating an opportunity for path traversal attacks that can access sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-48848 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to access critical system information that may lead to further compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive information stored on the server. This access can facilitate privilege escalation attacks, credential theft, or the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the system. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness patterns identified in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog, specifically mapping to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal. These weaknesses fall under the broader category of input validation failures that allow attackers to manipulate file system access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques such as T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, where the initial access through path traversal can lead to information gathering and subsequent attack phases. The vulnerability also relates to T1562.001 Impairing Defenses, as successful exploitation can compromise the integrity of the system's file access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48848 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures that prevent path traversal attempts. Organizations should enforce strict validation of all user-supplied file path parameters, implement proper access controls that limit file system access to authorized resources, and employ techniques such as canonicalization and path normalization to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, application developers should adopt secure coding practices that avoid direct concatenation of user input with file system paths, instead using allowlists of permitted file access or implementing proper sandboxing mechanisms. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.