CVE-2025-1026 in browsershot
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2025
Versions of the package spatie/browsershot before 5.0.5 are vulnerable to Improper Input Validation due to improper URL validation through the setUrl method, which results in a Local File Inclusion allowing the attacker to read sensitive files.
**Note:**
This is a bypass of the fix for [CVE-2024-21549](https://security.snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-PHP-SPATIEBROWSERSHOT-8533023).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-1026 affects the spatie/browsershot package, specifically versions prior to 5.0.5, and represents a critical improper input validation flaw that directly enables local file inclusion attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient URL validation within the setUrl method, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's file handling mechanisms. The flaw operates by allowing arbitrary file paths to be processed through the browser screenshot generation functionality, effectively bypassing previous security measures that were implemented to address similar issues.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the browser screenshot generation capabilities of the browsershot package to execute unauthorized file reads from the server filesystem. When an attacker provides a malicious URL parameter through the setUrl method, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input, allowing it to traverse the filesystem and access sensitive files that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal. The attack vector exploits the trust placed in user-provided input and demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to severe privilege escalation and data exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive information stored on the server. The Local File Inclusion aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers can potentially read any file accessible to the web application process, including system configuration files, user data, and application secrets that may be stored in easily accessible locations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachment, as the attack can be initiated through manipulated URL parameters that appear legitimate to the application.
The vulnerability represents a bypass of the previously addressed CVE-2024-21549, indicating that security measures implemented to fix similar issues were insufficient or improperly implemented. This pattern of vulnerability recurrence highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation and the need for multiple layers of security controls within web applications. Organizations using affected versions of spatie/browsershot should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to version 5.0.5 or later, implementing additional input validation at the application level, and monitoring for suspicious URL parameter usage. The fix for this vulnerability should include strict validation of URL schemes, implementation of proper path sanitization, and enforcement of whitelist-based URL acceptance to prevent arbitrary file access through the browser screenshot functionality.