CVE-2024-55214 in dhtmlxFileExplorer
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2025
Local File Inclusion vulnerability in dhtmlxFileExplorer v.8.4.6 allows a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information via the file download functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2025
The CVE-2024-55214 vulnerability represents a critical Local File Inclusion flaw within the dhtmlxFileExplorer version 8.4.6 software component. This vulnerability exists within the file download functionality of the application, creating a pathway for remote attackers to access sensitive system information through maliciously crafted requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access paths, allowing attackers to manipulate file retrieval operations to access unintended system resources.
This security flaw operates by exploiting improper validation of user-supplied input during file download operations. When the application processes file requests, it fails to adequately sanitize or filter the file path parameters, enabling attackers to inject malicious file path references. The vulnerability specifically affects the file explorer component's ability to distinguish between legitimate user requests and malicious attempts to access system files, directory structures, or configuration data. Attackers can leverage this weakness to traverse directory boundaries and retrieve files that should remain restricted, potentially including system configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive artifacts.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-55214 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with significant reconnaissance capabilities. Successful exploitation may enable adversaries to gather system architecture details, identify installed software versions, access database connection strings, or retrieve other sensitive configuration data that could facilitate further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses path traversal vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate file paths. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only remote access to the vulnerable application, making it exploitable from external networks without requiring physical system access.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1083 - File and Directory Discovery and T1566 - Phishing, as attackers can use the information gathered to craft more sophisticated social engineering campaigns or identify additional system weaknesses. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects a file management component that is often integral to web applications, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all file path parameters, implementing strict access controls for file operations, and applying the latest available security patches from the vendor. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms, particularly in web applications handling file operations. Security teams should also consider network segmentation, web application firewalls, and comprehensive monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar path traversal vulnerabilities across all file handling components within the application stack.
The remediation approach should focus on implementing proper parameter validation, restricting file access to predefined directories, and ensuring that all file operations are properly authenticated and authorized. Additionally, organizations should establish security awareness training for developers to prevent similar issues in custom code implementations and maintain updated threat intelligence to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability class.