CVE-2025-24343 in ctrlX OS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/30/2025
A vulnerability in the “Manages app data” functionality of the web application of ctrlX OS allows a remote authenticated (low-privileged) attacker to write arbitrary files in arbitrary file system paths via a crafted HTTP request.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
This vulnerability resides within the ctrlX OS web application's file management capabilities, specifically targeting the "Manages app data" functionality that governs how applications interact with the underlying file system. The flaw represents a critical path traversal and arbitrary file write vulnerability that enables malicious actors with minimal privileges to escalate their access and potentially compromise the entire system. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths submitted through HTTP requests, allowing attackers to manipulate the target file system locations through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation occurs through a carefully constructed HTTP request that bypasses normal file system access controls and validation mechanisms. An attacker with low-privileged authentication credentials can manipulate the application's file handling routines to write malicious content to arbitrary locations on the system's file hierarchy. This capability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper input validation, creating a pathway for persistent malware deployment, configuration file tampering, or privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates within the web application layer, making it accessible over network connections without requiring physical access to the system.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to industrial control systems and automation environments where ctrlX OS is deployed. The low-privileged attacker requirement means that even users with minimal system access can potentially cause significant damage through file system manipulation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, modify critical application configuration files, or inject malicious code into system components. The arbitrary file write capability creates opportunities for data exfiltration, system disruption, or establishing persistent access points that could remain undetected for extended periods. Organizations relying on ctrlX OS for industrial automation, manufacturing processes, or critical infrastructure operations face substantial risk of operational disruption or security breaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application from the vendor to address the core validation flaws in the file management functionality. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the web application to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual file system activity patterns. Security configuration reviews should ensure that the application runs with minimal required privileges and that file system access controls are properly enforced. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Path Traversal) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) classifications, and represents a technique commonly associated with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) categories, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls beyond just the immediate patching measures.