CVE-2024-55602 in PwnDoc
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2024
PwnDoc is a penetration test report generator. Prior to commit 1d4219c596f4f518798492e48386a20c6e9a2fe6, an authenticated user who is able to update and download templates can inject path traversal (`../`) sequences into the file extension property to read arbitrary files on the system. Commit 1d4219c596f4f518798492e48386a20c6e9a2fe6 contains a patch for the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-55602 affects PwnDoc, a penetration test report generator tool that enables security professionals to create comprehensive security assessment documentation. This application provides functionality for users to manage and customize report templates, including the ability to upload and download template files. The vulnerability resides within the template management system where authenticated users with appropriate permissions can manipulate file extension properties to execute path traversal attacks.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient validation of file extension inputs within the template update and download functionality. When users attempt to modify template properties, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the file extension field, allowing maliciously crafted input containing path traversal sequences such as `../` to be processed. This vulnerability specifically impacts the file extension property handling, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended file paths and access arbitrary files on the underlying file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using PwnDoc, as it allows authenticated users with template update privileges to potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and other confidential information stored on the server. Attackers could exploit this weakness to read system files, application configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data that might be accessible through the application's file system. The vulnerability essentially provides a method for lateral movement and information disclosure that could compromise the entire system's security posture.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables unauthorized file system enumeration and access. The attack vector requires authentication and specific user privileges, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability within the application's access control model. The fix implemented in commit 1d4219c596f4f518798492e48386a20c6e9a2fe6 addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and sanitization of file extension properties to prevent path traversal sequences from being processed.
Organizations utilizing PwnDoc should immediately apply the patch referenced in commit 1d4219c596f4f518798492e48386a20c6e9a2fe6 to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring of template update activities and file system access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of the application's file handling mechanisms and input validation controls are recommended to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications, particularly when handling file system operations. The lack of sanitization in file extension properties created a direct path for attackers to bypass intended access controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This incident underscores the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include proper access controls, input validation, and regular security testing to protect against common web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for template management functions to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.
Security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts through log analysis and implement automated scanning tools to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within their environment. The patch provided in the commit addresses the immediate threat but organizations should also conduct comprehensive security reviews of their penetration testing tools and reporting systems to ensure no other path traversal vulnerabilities exist. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required when developing and maintaining tools that handle file system operations and user-supplied data.