CVE-2024-0440 in anything-llm
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2024
Attacker, with permission to submit a link or submits a link via POST to be collected that is using the file:// protocol can then introspect host files and other relatively stored files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal and local file inclusion flaw that allows attackers to access sensitive host files through improper validation of file protocol URLs. The vulnerability exists in systems that accept user-supplied URLs via POST requests and subsequently process these URLs using the file:// protocol without adequate sanitization or access controls. The flaw enables unauthorized file system introspection, potentially exposing system configuration files, credentials, application data, and other sensitive information stored locally on the host system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through seemingly benign user input mechanisms, making it difficult to detect and prevent. The security implications extend beyond simple file access as attackers can potentially escalate privileges by accessing system files, configuration data, or application-specific resources that may contain authentication tokens, database connection strings, or other sensitive materials.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user input that contains file protocol URLs, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that bypass normal file system access controls. When the system processes these URLs, it executes the file:// protocol without proper authorization checks, enabling access to files that should remain protected. This vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and T1566, which covers credential access through various means. The attack vector typically involves an initial compromise through a web application interface where user input is accepted and processed without proper validation, creating an entry point for file system reconnaissance and exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers can systematically enumerate and access critical system files, potentially including /etc/passwd, /etc/shadow, application configuration files, database files, and log files that may contain sensitive information. The vulnerability can also facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with system information that can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks or identify additional weaknesses in the system. In environments where applications process user-generated content or allow URL submission for various purposes, this vulnerability can become a persistent threat that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system. The lack of proper access controls and input validation creates a fundamental security gap that can be exploited by both skilled attackers and automated tools, making it particularly dangerous in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and the broader security architecture. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied URLs, particularly those using the file:// protocol, ensuring that such URLs are either rejected or properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable protocols and paths. The implementation of proper access controls and privilege separation is essential, ensuring that applications processing user input cannot access system files beyond their intended scope. Security measures should include disabling or restricting file protocol access in web applications, implementing proper authentication and authorization checks, and employing network segmentation to limit the impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security testing and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, while implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious URL access patterns. The remediation process should also include education and awareness training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development, emphasizing the importance of secure input handling and proper access control implementation.