CVE-2025-60946 in CSWeb
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2026
Census CSWeb 8.0.1 allows arbitrary file path input. A remote, authenticated attacker could access unintended file directories. Fixed in 8.1.0 alpha.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-60946 affects Census CSWeb version 8.0.1 and represents a critical path traversal flaw that enables unauthorized file system access. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path parameters and gain access to directories beyond the intended scope. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's ability to properly sanitize user-supplied file path inputs, creating a pathway for attackers to navigate the file system arbitrarily.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file path parameters before processing them. This weakness enables an attacker to construct malicious file paths using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability exists in the file system interaction layer of the application, where user inputs are directly incorporated into file operations without proper sanitization or validation checks. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal, which is categorized under the broader weakness of improper input validation and inadequate access control mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using Census CSWeb 8.0.1, as it allows authenticated attackers to access unintended file directories and potentially retrieve sensitive data, configuration files, or system resources. The attack requires only authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where access controls may be insufficient or where credentials are compromised. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability could expose database files, application source code, configuration settings, or other sensitive information that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of Census CSWeb version 8.1.0 alpha, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and unauthorized directory traversal attempts. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation that sanitizes file path parameters and enforces strict access controls on file system operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 Data Staged, as it enables the unauthorized access and potential staging of sensitive data through directory traversal mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional security controls to provide defense-in-depth against similar path traversal vulnerabilities.