CVE-2025-70028 in SunbirdEd
Summary
by MITRE • 03/09/2026
An issue pertaining to CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') was discovered in Sunbird-Ed SunbirdEd-portal v1.13.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-70028 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the SunbirdEd-portal v1.13.4 application, specifically categorized under CWE-22 which defines improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate file path references and potentially access files outside the intended directory structure, creating significant security implications for the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied path data, enabling malicious actors to exploit the application's file handling capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-provided pathname inputs without adequate restrictions or canonicalization checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious path sequences that bypass directory restrictions, potentially allowing them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files, configuration data, or system resources that should remain protected. The flaw manifests in scenarios where the application accepts user input for file operations, directory listings, or content retrieval without proper validation of the path components. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage path traversal to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-70028 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, obtain source code repositories, or even execute arbitrary code if the application permits file execution. The vulnerability affects the SunbirdEd-portal's file management functionality, potentially exposing user data, system configurations, and application logic that could aid in further exploitation attempts. Organizations using SunbirdEd-portal v1.13.4 must consider the implications of this flaw across their entire attack surface, particularly in environments where the portal handles sensitive educational data or user information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-70028 should focus on implementing robust input validation and canonicalization mechanisms that prevent path traversal attempts. Security measures include implementing strict path validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or \, employing proper file access controls that limit application access to predefined directories, and utilizing secure coding practices that avoid direct path manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, along with regular security audits and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation vectors. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the affected application version, with proper validation of all user inputs and implementation of secure file handling procedures that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts while maintaining system integrity and data confidentiality.