CVE-2024-32869 in hono
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
Hono is a Web application framework that provides support for any JavaScript runtime. Prior to version 4.2.7, when using serveStatic with deno, it is possible to traverse the directory where `main.ts` is located. This can result in retrieval of unexpected files. Version 4.2.7 contains a patch for the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32869 affects the Hono web application framework, a JavaScript runtime-agnostic framework designed to support various environments including Deno. This security flaw specifically impacts applications utilizing the serveStatic functionality when deployed in Deno environments, creating a directory traversal condition that allows unauthorized access to files outside the intended application directory structure. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the static file serving mechanism, enabling attackers to manipulate file paths and potentially access sensitive files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the serveStatic middleware component in Hono versions prior to 4.2.7, where the framework fails to properly sanitize user-supplied paths when serving static files. When an application uses serveStatic with Deno, the framework processes incoming requests for static assets without adequately validating or normalizing the requested file paths, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate outside the intended document root. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability creates a condition where an attacker can access files that exist in the same directory as the main.ts file or potentially higher in the directory hierarchy, depending on the server's file system permissions and the application's deployment structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive configuration files, source code, environment variables, or other confidential data that may be stored in the same directory as the application's main entry point. In Deno environments, where applications often run with elevated privileges or access to system resources, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain access to server-side files that contain authentication tokens, database credentials, or other sensitive information. The risk is particularly elevated when applications are deployed in shared hosting environments or when the application's directory structure contains sensitive files alongside the main application files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from local system databases, and can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain to escalate privileges or extract additional sensitive information from the compromised system.
The remediation for CVE-2024-32869 involves upgrading to Hono version 4.2.7 or later, which includes a patch addressing the directory traversal vulnerability in the serveStatic middleware. This patch implements proper path normalization and validation mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file paths. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting file access permissions, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security assessments of their application frameworks. The patch demonstrates the importance of proper path handling in web applications and serves as a reminder of the critical need for input validation and sanitization in all file system operations. Security teams should prioritize updating affected applications and monitoring for any exploitation attempts, as directory traversal vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attacks within compromised environments.