CVE-2025-11016 in kodbox
Summary
by MITRE • 09/26/2025
A security vulnerability has been detected in kalcaddle kodbox up to 1.61.09. The affected element is the function fileOut of the file app/controller/explorer/index.class.php. Such manipulation of the argument path leads to path traversal. The attack may be performed from remote. The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-11016 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the kalcaddle kodbox application version 1.61.09 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the fileOut function located within the app/controller/explorer/index.class.php file, which processes user-supplied path arguments without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the path parameter in a manner that enables unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure, effectively bypassing access controls and potentially exposing sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the fileOut function, which directly incorporates user-provided path arguments into file system operations. When an attacker crafts malicious path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs, allowing the system to interpret and execute operations on arbitrary file paths. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, eliminating the need for local system access or elevated privileges. The vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of improper handling of file system paths, which aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or system files that should remain protected. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any location with network access to the affected system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The disclosure of working exploits increases the risk profile significantly, as it removes the requirement for attackers to develop custom exploitation techniques. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to discover and access sensitive files that could be used for further compromise.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of kalcaddle kodbox should immediately implement mitigations including input validation for all file path parameters, implementing proper access controls that restrict file system operations to predefined directories, and applying the latest vendor patches when available. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, suggesting that organizations may need to consider alternative security measures or temporary workarounds until proper vendor support is obtained. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit exposure, while monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can aid in detecting exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in preventing path traversal attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of web application vulnerabilities.