CVE-2026-55474 in snipe-it
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2026
Snipe-IT is an IT asset/license management system. Prior to 8.5.0, ActionlogController::displaySig concatenates the route filename parameter into a private upload-directory path without sanitization, allowing an authenticated attacker to traverse outside the intended directory and read arbitrary files accessible to the web server process. This issue is fixed in version 8.5.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2026
The vulnerability identified in Snipe-IT versions prior to 8.5.0 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ActionlogController::displaySig method that directly impacts the system's file access controls and data security posture. This weakness stems from the controller's improper handling of user-supplied route parameters, specifically the filename parameter that is concatenated into a private upload directory path without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The absence of input filtering allows attackers to manipulate the path traversal sequence and escape the intended directory boundaries, thereby gaining unauthorized access to files within the web server's file system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness classifications including cwe-22 Path Traversal and cwe-73 Hardcoded Paths, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided input before incorporating it into file system operations. The flaw operates at the application layer where the web server process executes file read operations based on attacker-controlled parameters, creating an opportunity for unauthorized information disclosure and potential further exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences such as ../../ or similar path manipulation techniques to access files outside the intended upload directory scope.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Snipe-IT for asset management and license tracking. An authenticated attacker with access to the system can potentially read sensitive configuration files, database connection details, application source code, or other confidential data that may be stored within the web server's file system. The vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized file access that could lead to information disclosure, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it may enable attackers to discover additional system vulnerabilities or gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching to version 8.5.0 or later where the developers have implemented proper input validation and sanitization measures for the filename parameter. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including restrictive file permissions on upload directories, regular security audits of file access patterns, and monitoring for unusual file system access attempts. The fix likely involves implementing proper parameter validation, using secure coding practices such as whitelisting allowed characters in filenames, and ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized before being used in file system operations. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with path traversal detection capabilities and conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patching.
This vulnerability type demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre attack framework under tactics such as credential access and defense evasion. The issue highlights the need for robust secure coding practices and proper application architecture design that prevents path traversal attacks through proper sandboxing of file system operations and implementation of appropriate access controls. Organizations should also implement regular security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications and maintain updated vulnerability management processes to quickly deploy security patches across their IT infrastructure.