CVE-2024-8501 in agentscope
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2025
An arbitrary file download vulnerability exists in the rpc_agent_client component of modelscope/agentscope version v0.0.4. This vulnerability allows any user to download any file from the rpc_agent's host by exploiting the download_file method. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, including configuration files, credentials, and potentially system files, which may facilitate further exploitation such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8501 represents a critical arbitrary file download flaw within the rpc_agent_client component of modelscope/agentscope version v0.0.4. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the download_file method, which operates as a core functionality for remote agent communication. The flaw exists at the application layer and specifically affects the rpc_agent_client module that facilitates distributed agent operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through crafted requests that bypass normal file access restrictions, enabling them to retrieve any file accessible from the rpc_agent's host system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive configuration files, authentication credentials, and system-level resources that could serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper authorization controls and input sanitization. The download_file method appears to accept file path parameters without adequate validation or access restriction checks, allowing remote attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that would normally be protected or restricted. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway suggests that the rpc_agent_client component fails to properly validate or sanitize file path inputs, potentially accepting absolute paths or relative path references that traverse directories beyond intended boundaries. The implementation likely lacks proper access control lists or privilege checking mechanisms that should restrict file access to authorized users or processes only.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on modelscope/agentscope for distributed agent management and communication. The ability to download arbitrary files from the rpc_agent host creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive information such as database connection strings, API keys, private certificates, and system configuration files that could contain critical infrastructure details. This capability directly supports the ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for data staging and T1566.001 for credential access, as attackers can harvest credentials and sensitive data that may enable further compromise of the environment. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where rpc_agent components operate with elevated privileges or have access to sensitive data repositories, as it could facilitate privilege escalation or provide access to internal network resources that would otherwise remain protected.
Organizations utilizing this software should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary defense mechanism involves implementing strict input validation and access control measures within the download_file method, ensuring that all file path parameters are properly sanitized and validated against a whitelist of allowed directories or files. Additionally, the rpc_agent_client should be configured with appropriate network segmentation and access controls to limit which entities can interact with the download functionality. Security measures should include implementing authentication and authorization checks before allowing file download operations, as well as monitoring and logging access to sensitive file operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in distributed systems where components may be exposed to untrusted network traffic. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to rpc_agent services and ensure that only authorized systems can interact with the vulnerable component, thereby reducing the attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities.