CVE-2025-0049 in GoAnywhere
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2025
When a Web User without Create permission on subfolders attempts to upload a file to a non-existent directory, the error message includes the absolute server path which may allow Fuzzing for application mapping. This issue affects GoAnywhere: before 7.8.0.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-0049 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the GoAnywhere secure file transfer platform. This weakness manifests when unauthenticated or unauthorized web users attempt to upload files to directories they do not have permission to create or access. The system's inadequate error handling mechanism reveals sensitive absolute server path information in the error response, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this file transfer solution. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 7.8.0, indicating that this was a recognized issue that required patching within the software lifecycle.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper error message generation within the file upload validation process. When a user attempts to upload a file to a directory that does not exist and lacks the necessary create permissions, the system should provide a generic error message that does not disclose internal system information. However, in this case, the application's error handling routine includes the complete absolute server path in the response, which serves as valuable reconnaissance information for attackers. This path disclosure creates a direct mapping of the application's directory structure and potentially reveals the underlying operating system configuration, file system hierarchy, and application installation paths.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for potential adversaries seeking to map the application environment and identify potential targets for further exploitation. The disclosed absolute paths provide attackers with crucial information for crafting more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal attempts, path injection vulnerabilities, and system enumeration techniques. Security professionals can leverage this information to identify weak points in the application architecture and develop targeted defenses. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to information leakage that compromises system security. Additionally, this issue can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083, Information Discovery, as it provides attackers with systematic access to directory structures and file system information.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to conduct more effective fuzzing operations against the application's directory structure. Fuzzing tools can use the disclosed paths to systematically probe for additional vulnerabilities, identify misconfigurations, and map the complete application architecture. This reconnaissance phase significantly reduces the time and effort required for attackers to develop successful exploitation strategies against the system. Organizations using vulnerable versions of GoAnywhere are particularly at risk, as this information disclosure could lead to more severe consequences including privilege escalation, unauthorized access to sensitive files, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the same application environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper error handling practices and avoiding the disclosure of internal system information in application responses, particularly in web-based file transfer systems where security is paramount.