CVE-2024-31849 in Connect
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2024
A path traversal vulnerability exists in the Java version of CData Connect < 23.4.8846 when running using the embedded Jetty server, which could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to gain complete administrative access to the application.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31849 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the Java implementation of CData Connect software version 23.4.8846 and earlier. This security weakness specifically affects deployments utilizing the embedded Jetty web server component, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors without requiring any authentication credentials. The flaw enables remote code execution capabilities that ultimately result in complete administrative control over the affected application environment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of file path parameters within the application's file access mechanisms. When CData Connect processes requests through its embedded Jetty server, it fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input that could contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ characters. This inadequate sanitization allows attackers to manipulate file path resolution logic and access files outside of the intended application directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses path traversal or directory traversal weaknesses in software applications, where improper input validation leads to unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations deploying CData Connect with the embedded Jetty server. An unauthenticated remote attacker can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access database connection details, extract proprietary data, and modify application behavior. In enterprise environments, this could result in data breaches, service disruption, and lateral movement within network infrastructure. The embedded nature of the Jetty server in CData Connect makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it affects the core application functionality without requiring any specialized authentication credentials.
Organizations using affected versions of CData Connect should immediately implement mitigations to protect their systems from exploitation attempts. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to CData Connect version 23.4.8846 or later, which contains patches addressing the path traversal vulnerability. Additionally, network-level protections should be implemented through firewall rules that restrict access to the application's administrative interfaces, particularly when the embedded Jetty server is in use. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for malicious file execution. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and ensure comprehensive patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.