CVE-2026-101066 in dbgate
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2026
A vulnerability was determined in dbgate up to 7.3.1. The impacted element is the function createLink of the file packages/api/src/controllers/archive.js of the component Archive Link Creation. This manipulation of the argument linkedFolder causes path traversal. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been publicly disclosed and may be utilized. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2026
The vulnerability identified in dbGate versions up to 7.3.1 represents a critical security flaw within the Archive Link Creation component, specifically located in the createLink function of the packages/api/src/controllers/archive.js file. This issue stems from improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied input, particularly regarding the linkedFolder argument. When an attacker provides a maliciously crafted path string that includes directory traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash (../), the application fails to properly restrict access to the intended directory structure. Instead, it interprets these sequences literally, allowing the file system operations to escape the designated sandbox or working directory and interact with arbitrary locations on the host operating system. This type of flaw is classically categorized under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which highlights the failure to enforce strict boundaries around resource access based on user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its remote nature and the potential for unauthorized file system manipulation. Since the attack can be initiated remotely without authentication in many configurations or with minimal privileges depending on the specific deployment setup, it significantly expands the attack surface. An attacker could potentially read sensitive configuration files, source code, or other data stored outside the application's intended scope if they have knowledge of the server's directory structure. In more complex scenarios involving symbolic links or race conditions, this path traversal could theoretically lead to arbitrary file write operations, although the primary risk remains information disclosure and unauthorized access to restricted resources. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed further exacerbates the risk, as automated scanning tools and malicious actors can readily leverage known proof-of-concept code to identify and compromise vulnerable instances across the internet.
The lack of response from the vendor following early contact indicates a significant gap in security maintenance for this version range. This absence of official patches or updates forces administrators to rely on workarounds until an updated version is released. To mitigate this risk, immediate defensive measures should be implemented at the network and application layers. Deploying a Web Application Firewall with rules specifically designed to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests can provide a crucial layer of defense. Additionally, ensuring that the dbGate service runs under a restricted user account with minimal file system permissions limits the potential damage even if an exploit is successful. It is also advisable to disable any unnecessary features or endpoints related to archive link creation until the software is upgraded to a patched version where input validation for directory paths has been rigorously enforced and tested against common traversal techniques aligned with MITRE ATT&CK tactics such as T1083: File and Directory Discovery, which describes how adversaries probe systems to gather information about file structures.