CVE-2024-47556 in FreeFlow Core
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2024
Pre-Auth RCE via Path Traversal
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical pre-authentication remote code execution flaw that exploits path traversal mechanisms within application frameworks or web servers. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system without requiring valid authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where access controls are not properly enforced. Path traversal vulnerabilities typically occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that contains directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, which can be manipulated to access restricted files or execute system commands. The flaw operates at the core of input validation and file system access controls, where insufficient sanitization permits attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability often involves manipulating file path parameters through HTTP requests, where user input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate validation. Attackers can exploit this by injecting traversal sequences into parameters that control file access, directory listing, or file inclusion operations. When the application processes these requests, it may resolve the malicious paths to system files or directories that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. This can lead to arbitrary code execution through various mechanisms including command injection, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or direct system command execution via vulnerable APIs. The vulnerability typically maps to CWE-22 which specifically addresses path traversal or directory traversal issues in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script injection.
The operational impact of such vulnerabilities extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The pre-authentication aspect eliminates the need for legitimate credentials, making detection more difficult and increasing the attack surface significantly. Organizations may experience data breaches, system downtime, and regulatory compliance violations as a result of such exploitation. The vulnerability can be particularly devastating in web applications that handle user uploads, file management operations, or provide administrative interfaces where path traversal opportunities exist. Security monitoring becomes challenging as these attacks often appear as legitimate system operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a comprehensive approach to input validation and access control enforcement. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization mechanisms that filter out or escape directory traversal sequences from all user-supplied inputs before processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced through proper file system permissions and access controls that prevent unauthorized file access even if traversal attempts are successful. Application developers must utilize secure coding practices including parameterized queries, validated file access operations, and robust error handling that does not expose system paths or internal structures. Regular security testing including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential path traversal vectors within applications. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against malicious path traversal requests. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews, security training for development teams, and establishing secure coding standards that specifically address path traversal vulnerabilities.