CVE-2024-27296 in Directus
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2024
Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. Prior to version 10.8.3, the exact Directus version number was being shipped in compiled JS bundles which are accessible without authentication. With this information a malicious attacker can trivially look for known vulnerabilities in Directus core or any of its shipped dependencies in that specific running version. The problem has been resolved in versions 10.8.3 and newer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27296 represents a critical information disclosure issue within the Directus content management platform that affects versions prior to 10.8.3. Directus serves as a real-time API and dashboard solution for managing SQL database content, making it a popular choice for developers and organizations seeking flexible content management capabilities. The flaw manifests in the application's compiled javascript bundles where the exact version number of the Directus core is embedded and publicly accessible without any authentication requirements. This exposure creates a significant security risk as it provides attackers with precise version information that can be immediately leveraged for exploitation purposes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling or version disclosure. Attackers can utilize the disclosed version information to conduct targeted attacks against known vulnerabilities within that specific Directus version or its dependencies. This includes identifying weaknesses in the core application logic, database interaction mechanisms, or third-party libraries that Directus incorporates. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it easily accessible to any malicious actor with basic internet connectivity. The compiled javascript bundles serve as an attack surface that reveals not only the Directus version but also potentially exposes information about the underlying technology stack and dependency versions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple version disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform version-specific exploitation tactics that can lead to complete system compromise. When an attacker identifies a specific Directus version, they can systematically search for known vulnerabilities in that version's codebase or its dependencies, potentially discovering exploits for remote code execution, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using older versions of Directus as they become immediately vulnerable to attacks that can be automated and executed without requiring specialized knowledge of the system. This creates a dangerous environment where organizations may unknowingly expose their systems to exploitation, especially in environments where direct internet access is permitted to the Directus application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate version upgrades to 10.8.3 or newer releases where the version information disclosure has been resolved. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of Directus are updated promptly. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts or exploitation attempts that may leverage the disclosed version information. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper information hiding and the principle of least disclosure in application design, where version information should not be exposed in publicly accessible resources. Network segmentation and access controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to limit exposure even if version information is inadvertently disclosed. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for patterns associated with version-based attacks. This vulnerability reinforces the necessity of regular security assessments and the importance of maintaining current software versions to protect against known attack vectors.