CVE-2024-23634 in GeoServer
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2024
GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. An arbitrary file renaming vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.23.5 and 2.24.2 that enables an authenticated administrator with permissions to modify stores through the REST Coverage Store or Data Store API to rename arbitrary files and directories with a name that does not end in `.zip`. Store file uploads rename zip files to have a `.zip` extension if it doesn't already have one before unzipping the file. This is fine for file and url upload methods where the files will be in a specific subdirectory of the data directory but, when using the external upload method, this allows arbitrary files and directories to be renamed. Renaming GeoServer files will most likely result in a denial of service, either completely preventing GeoServer from running or effectively deleting specific resources (such as a workspace, layer or style). In some cases, renaming GeoServer files could revert to the default settings for that file which could be relatively harmless like removing contact information or have more serious consequences like allowing users to make OGC requests that the customized settings would have prevented them from making. The impact of renaming non-GeoServer files depends on the specific environment although some sort of denial of service is a likely outcome. Versions 2.23.5 and 2.24.2 contain a fix for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23634 affects GeoServer, a widely-used open-source geospatial data server implementation written in Java. This authentication-based flaw exists in versions prior to 2.23.5 and 2.24.2, specifically targeting the REST Coverage Store and Data Store APIs. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of file naming during the external upload process, where authenticated administrators can manipulate file and directory names through the administrative interface. The core technical issue involves the application's handling of file extensions during the upload process, particularly when dealing with external file uploads versus standard file or URL uploads.
The flaw manifests when GeoServer processes external file uploads where the system automatically appends a .zip extension to files that don't already have one before attempting to unzip them. This behavior is normally acceptable for standard upload methods that place files in specific subdirectories of the data directory. However, the vulnerability emerges when administrators utilize the external upload method, which bypasses normal directory restrictions and allows arbitrary file and directory renaming operations. The system's lack of proper validation enables attackers to manipulate file paths and names, potentially affecting critical system components beyond the intended data storage boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, representing a significant security risk for geospatial data infrastructure. When attackers successfully rename GeoServer system files, they can effectively disable the server's functionality by corrupting essential configuration files or removing critical resources such as workspaces, layers, or styles. The vulnerability can also result in configuration resets that may inadvertently grant unauthorized access to OGC services that were previously restricted through custom security settings. In some cases, renaming operations might revert files to default configurations, potentially exposing sensitive contact information or weakening access controls that were specifically implemented by administrators.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, demonstrating how inadequate input validation and path manipulation can lead to critical system compromise. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python) and T1499.004 (Network Denial of Service) when executed against the server's core functionality. The vulnerability's exploitability requires authentication privileges, making it a privilege escalation issue rather than a direct remote code execution vulnerability. However, the potential for complete system disruption and configuration manipulation makes it particularly dangerous in environments where GeoServer serves as a critical component of geospatial infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to GeoServer versions 2.23.5 or 2.24.2 to remediate this vulnerability, as these releases contain specific patches addressing the file renaming logic in external upload operations. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls for administrative interfaces, monitoring external upload operations, and conducting regular security audits of file system permissions and directory structures. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to GeoServer administrative endpoints and establish automated monitoring for suspicious file manipulation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path restriction mechanisms in server applications handling user-provided file operations, particularly in geospatial data environments where system stability and data integrity are paramount.