CVE-2026-105037 in station-middleware
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2026
EnergizeLab station-middleware (NestJS) Docker images 1.6.5 through 1.8.2 allow any registered, low-privilege account to read arbitrary files from the server by supplying an attacker-controlled file path. This exposes middleware files and server secrets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2026
The vulnerability identified in EnergizeLab station-middleware Docker images versions 1.6.5 through 1.8.2 represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper input validation within the application's file handling mechanisms. Specifically, this is an instance of Path Traversal, also known as Directory Traversal or File Inclusion, which allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the web root folder. The core technical issue lies in the middleware component built on NestJS failing to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing file path requests. By supplying a specially crafted, attacker-controlled file path containing directory traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash (../), an authenticated but low-privilege user can manipulate the underlying filesystem operations. This manipulation enables the application to resolve paths beyond its intended scope, effectively bypassing access controls that should restrict users to their designated directories or specific resource types.
From a technical perspective, this flaw exploits the lack of canonicalization and validation in the file reading logic. When an application accepts user input for file locations without rigorously checking if the resolved path remains within allowed boundaries, it creates a vector for unauthorized data access. In this scenario, the NestJS middleware does not adequately verify that the requested file resides within the expected directory structure or is of an approved type. Consequently, the server processes requests to read arbitrary files from the operating system's filesystem. This behavior aligns with CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection), although in this specific context, it is primarily classified under file inclusion vulnerabilities where sensitive data is read rather than executed code. The vulnerability persists across versions 1.6.5 through 1.8.2, indicating that the underlying architectural decision to handle file paths without robust sanitization has remained unaddressed during these releases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the exposure of sensitive server-side assets. Because any registered account with low privileges can exploit this flaw, the barrier for entry is minimal; an attacker does not need administrative rights or complex exploitation techniques beyond basic HTTP request manipulation. The primary consequence is the disclosure of middleware files and server secrets. Middleware files often contain logic that dictates how requests are processed before reaching route handlers, potentially revealing internal application structures, authentication mechanisms, or business logic flaws. More critically, the exposure of server secrets such as API keys, database credentials, JWT signing keys, or environment variables can lead to a complete compromise of the system's integrity and confidentiality. Attackers can use these stolen secrets to escalate privileges, access backend databases, impersonate other users, or launch further attacks against connected services, thereby undermining the entire security posture of the deployment.
This vulnerability maps directly to several entries in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly T1083: File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries search for files and directories on compromised systems to gather information necessary for subsequent actions. It also relates to T1530: Data from Local System, which covers accessing data stored locally on a target system that is not being actively monitored or protected by endpoint detection solutions. The exploitation of this flaw allows an adversary to pivot from a low-privilege user account to gaining significant insight into the server's configuration and sensitive data stores, facilitating lateral movement or persistent access if those secrets are reused across other systems.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate action is required to update the EnergizeLab station-middleware Docker images to a version that includes patches for these path traversal issues. Developers must implement strict input validation on all file paths provided by users, ensuring that only whitelisted characters and directory structures are accepted. Utilizing canonicalization techniques to resolve symbolic links and relative paths before processing can help prevent traversal attacks. Additionally, implementing least-privilege principles at the filesystem level ensures that even if an application logic flaw exists, the underlying operating system permissions restrict access to sensitive directories such as those containing secrets or middleware configurations. Regular security audits and static code analysis focused on file handling operations are recommended to detect similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the NestJS-based infrastructure before they can be exploited by malicious actors.