CVE-2024-31848 in API Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2024
A path traversal vulnerability exists in the Java version of CData API Server < 23.4.8844 when running using the embedded Jetty server, which could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to gain complete administrative access to the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31848 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Java implementation of CData API Server version prior to 23.4.8844 when utilizing the embedded Jetty server component. This security weakness arises from inadequate input validation and improper path handling mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file system operations. The flaw specifically manifests in how the application processes requests that contain specially crafted path sequences designed to bypass normal access controls and traverse directory structures beyond intended boundaries. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it eliminates the need for initial access privileges.
The technical exploitation of this path traversal vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file system access patterns through carefully constructed HTTP requests that leverage directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in their payload. When the embedded Jetty server processes these malformed requests, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input paths, allowing attackers to access files and directories that should remain protected within the application's restricted file system hierarchy. This fundamental flaw in input validation and path resolution creates a complete breakdown in the application's security model, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access administrative interfaces, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the application's file system permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-31848 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it grants attackers complete administrative control over the affected CData API Server instance. This level of access allows unauthorized users to modify application configurations, access all stored data, create new administrative accounts, and potentially use the compromised server as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the server or knowledge of internal network structures. This makes the attack surface extremely broad and the potential damage significant, particularly in environments where the CData API Server serves as a critical data integration platform.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to CData API Server version 23.4.8844 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the path traversal vulnerability. Additional protective measures include configuring firewall rules to restrict access to the API server's administrative interfaces, implementing proper input validation at the application level, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious path traversal attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish robust logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing categories, as the lack of authentication requirements makes it particularly attractive for initial compromise attempts.