CVE-2025-55988 in DreamFactory
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
An issue in the component /Controllers/RestController.php of DreamFactory Core v1.0.3 allows attackers to execute a directory traversal via an unsanitized URI path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-55988 affects the DreamFactory Core v1.0.3 software, specifically within the /Controllers/RestController.php component where an insecure handling of URI paths enables unauthorized directory traversal attacks. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the application's ability to validate and sanitize user input before processing requests. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize URI path components, allowing malicious actors to manipulate request parameters and access files or directories outside the intended application scope. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently exploited in various attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the RestController.php component processes incoming requests without adequate validation of URI path segments. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URI paths that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, which when processed by the application's file handling mechanisms can result in unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other resources that should remain protected. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries attempt to enumerate the file system structure to identify valuable targets. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to system files, database credentials, or other sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized file system access and potentially execute arbitrary code depending on the server configuration and file permissions. Successful exploitation could result in data breaches, system compromise, or complete application takeover, especially if the application is running with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive data repositories. Organizations using DreamFactory Core v1.0.3 are particularly vulnerable since this represents a fundamental flaw in the application's core request handling mechanism, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools that scan for common directory traversal vulnerabilities. The risk is compounded by the fact that such vulnerabilities often remain undetected for extended periods, providing attackers with persistent access to sensitive systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-55988 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the RestController.php component. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a newer version of DreamFactory Core that addresses this vulnerability. The remediation process should include implementing strict URI path validation that rejects any request containing directory traversal sequences, employing proper path normalization techniques, and ensuring that all file access operations occur within designated safe directories. Additional defensive measures should include implementing web application firewalls with rules designed to detect and block directory traversal attempts, conducting comprehensive security testing of all URI handling components, and establishing proper access controls that limit the application's ability to access system resources beyond its intended scope. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.