CVE-2024-28753 in RaspAP
Summary
by MITRE • 03/09/2024
RaspAP (aka raspap-webgui) through 3.0.9 allows remote attackers to read the /etc/passwd file via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28753 affects RaspAP, also known as raspap-webgui, version 3.0.9 and earlier. This web-based administration interface for Raspberry Pi devices suffers from a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system files. The vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user requests, specifically when processing crafted input that bypasses proper access controls and file system restrictions. RaspAP is commonly used to manage wireless networks, DHCP services, and other network configurations on Raspberry Pi devices, making it a critical component in many embedded network environments where security is paramount.
The technical flaw manifests as a path traversal or directory traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate file access requests through the web interface. When a malicious user submits a specially crafted HTTP request, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters that determine which files should be accessed or displayed. This weakness enables unauthorized access to the /etc/passwd file, which contains critical user account information including usernames, user identifiers, and shell assignments. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely from any network location. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal, which is categorized under the broader weakness of insecure direct object references. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation and access control mechanisms within the web application framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating significant security risks for affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits CVE-2024-28753 gains access to user account information that can be used for further attacks, including privilege escalation attempts, social engineering campaigns, or credential harvesting. The /etc/passwd file contains essential user identification data that can be leveraged to map out system users and potentially identify accounts with elevated privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects IoT and embedded systems where RaspAP is deployed for network management, including home networks, small office environments, and industrial control systems. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 File and Directory Discovery, T1566 Phishing, and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it enables adversaries to gather intelligence about system users and potentially escalate privileges through account enumeration.
Organizations deploying RaspAP should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to version 3.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent directory traversal attacks. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions, including firewall rules that limit access to the RaspAP web interface to trusted IP addresses only. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits of network management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, particularly those running on embedded devices where security resources may be limited. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as establishing incident response procedures for addressing such vulnerabilities in production environments.