CVE-2024-38524 in GeoServer
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2025
GeoServer is an open source server that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. org.geowebcache.GeoWebCacheDispatcher.handleFrontPage(HttpServletRequest, HttpServletResponse) has no check to hide potentially sensitive information from users except for a hidden system property to hide the storage locations that defaults to showing the locations. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.26.2 and 2.25.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2025
GeoServer represents a critical vulnerability in the geospatial data sharing ecosystem through CVE-2024-38524, which exposes sensitive system information through the GeoWebCacheDispatcher component. This flaw exists within the org.geowebcache.GeoWebCacheDispatcher.handleFrontPage method where the application fails to implement proper access controls or information sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the system property designed to hide storage locations defaults to an enabled state, inadvertently revealing critical filesystem paths and configuration details to unauthorized users. This represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw demonstrates poor security by design principles where defensive measures are implemented as optional toggles rather than mandatory security controls, creating a scenario where default configurations leave systems vulnerable to reconnaissance attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system metadata that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. When storage locations are exposed through the front page handler, threat actors can gain insights into the underlying filesystem structure, directory layouts, and potentially sensitive data locations within the geospatial infrastructure. This information can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including path traversal exploits, privilege escalation attempts, or targeted data exfiltration efforts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege where administrative information is exposed to all users without proper authentication or authorization checks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web-based reconnaissance techniques.
The remediation approach for CVE-2024-38524 requires immediate implementation of the patches available in GeoServer versions 2.26.2 and 2.25.6, which properly address the information disclosure mechanism by enforcing mandatory access controls. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their GeoServer deployments to verify that the system properties are correctly configured and that sensitive information is properly sanitized from public-facing interfaces. Additional mitigations include implementing network-level access controls to restrict direct access to administrative endpoints, configuring proper authentication mechanisms for geospatial data services, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system information. Security teams must also consider the broader implications of information disclosure in geospatial applications, as such vulnerabilities can expose critical infrastructure details that may be targeted by nation-state actors or organized cybercriminal groups. The vulnerability underscores the importance of security-by-design principles where information hiding mechanisms are implemented as mandatory controls rather than optional configuration parameters.