CVE-2026-65694 in Microweber
Summary
by MITRE • 07/24/2026
Microweber CMS through 2.0.20 contains a path traversal vulnerability in the static file controller that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files by supplying directory traversal sequences in the path query parameter. Attackers can send a single unauthenticated HTTP GET request exploiting the failure of normalize_path() to strip traversal sequences, disclosing sensitive files such as environment configuration files containing credentials and system files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in Microweber CMS versions up to 2020. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the static file controller component where the normalize_path() function fails to properly sanitize directory traversal sequences. When attackers supply malicious path query parameters containing sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application processes these without sufficient sanitization, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects unauthenticated remote attackers, making it particularly dangerous as no prior authentication is required to exploit the flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories. The failure of normalize_path() function demonstrates a classic input validation weakness where the application does not properly canonicalize file paths before processing user-supplied input. This allows attackers to bypass intended access controls and traverse the filesystem beyond the intended directory boundaries. The impact extends to sensitive system files, configuration files, and potentially database credentials stored in environment configuration files that are typically protected from direct web access.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe as it enables attackers to extract confidential information without authentication. An attacker can directly retrieve sensitive files such as .env configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, and other system-level information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The single HTTP GET request requirement means the attack can be executed quickly and with minimal resources, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools. This vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor access mechanism to the server's filesystem that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied paths before processing. The normalize_path() function must be enhanced to strip or reject directory traversal sequences entirely, ensuring that only valid and intended file paths are processed. Organizations should implement strict path canonicalization routines that resolve absolute paths and validate against a whitelist of allowed directories. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and file permissions to limit what files can be accessed even if path traversal attempts succeed. Regular security updates and patch management are crucial to address this vulnerability in affected versions, while network segmentation and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts. The fix should also consider implementing a robust file access control system that prevents access to sensitive files regardless of path traversal attempts, aligning with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies.