CVE-2025-57697 in AstrBot
Summary
by MITRE • 11/07/2025
AstrBot Project v3.5.22 has an arbitrary file read vulnerability in function _encode_image_bs64. Since the _encode_image_bs64 function defined in entities.py opens the image specified by the user in the request body and returns the image content as a base64-encoded string without checking the legitimacy of the image path, attackers can construct a series of malicious URLs to read any specified file, resulting in sensitive data leakage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-57697 affects the AstrBot Project version 3.5.22 and represents a critical arbitrary file read flaw within the _encode_image_bs64 function. This security weakness resides in the entities.py file where the function processes user-supplied image paths without implementing proper validation mechanisms. The function's design allows direct file access based on user input, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling capabilities. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and path validation, which enables attackers to manipulate the function's behavior through crafted requests. This flaw specifically targets the image processing functionality and demonstrates a fundamental lack of secure coding practices in the application's core components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability creates a dangerous attack vector where an attacker can construct malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. When the _encode_image_bs64 function receives a user-provided image path in the request body, it directly opens and reads the specified file without verifying whether the path points to a legitimate image resource. This approach violates established security principles and creates a path traversal condition that can be exploited to access any file within the application's file system. The base64 encoding process serves as a means to obfuscate the retrieved file content but does not prevent the initial unauthorized file access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-57697 extends beyond simple data leakage to encompass potential system compromise and information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential resources that may be stored on the server. The ability to read arbitrary files creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about the system's architecture, identify additional vulnerabilities, and potentially escalate their privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where the application runs with elevated permissions or where sensitive data is stored in accessible locations. The exposure of system files could lead to complete system compromise, especially if configuration files contain database connection strings, API keys, or cryptographic materials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the root cause through comprehensive input validation and secure file access controls. Organizations should implement strict path validation mechanisms that verify all user-provided file paths against a whitelist of allowed directories and file extensions. The _encode_image_bs64 function should be redesigned to use a secure file access pattern that limits file operations to predetermined directories and validates all input parameters. Implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, the application should employ input sanitization techniques and consider using secure coding practices such as the principle of least privilege when handling file operations. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other functions that process user-provided data. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to security frameworks like OWASP Top Ten and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against file inclusion and traversal attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration through such weaknesses.