CVE-2026-85176 in DbGate
Summary
by MITRE • 09/03/2026
DbGate fails to validate jslid parameters in the jsldata controller, allowing authenticated users to read and write arbitrary files via file:// scheme resolution. Attackers can exploit getJslFileName() to bypass directory containment and access sensitive files including encrypted database credentials stored in connections configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2026
DbGate contains a critical path traversal vulnerability within its JavaScript data handling subsystem, specifically affecting the jsldata controller's processing of jslid parameters. This flaw stems from an insufficient validation mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or restrict user-supplied input before it is used in file system operations. The core technical deficiency lies in the getJslFileName function, which does not adequately enforce directory containment rules. Consequently, when a malicious actor provides a specially crafted jslid value containing path traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash combinations or absolute paths prefixed with the file:// scheme, the application resolves these references incorrectly. Instead of restricting access to the intended local data directory, the underlying system interprets the input literally, allowing navigation outside the sandboxed environment into arbitrary locations on the host operating system's file hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for both unauthorized information disclosure and remote code execution via configuration manipulation. Because DbGate stores sensitive connection details, including encrypted database credentials, within its local configuration files, an attacker can exploit this flaw to read these specific files directly from the disk. By bypassing directory containment checks, the attacker gains access to plaintext or decryptable credential material that is typically protected by application-level security controls. This exposure compromises the integrity and confidentiality of all connected data sources managed through DbGate. Furthermore, if the vulnerability allows for write operations as indicated in the description, an adversary could potentially overwrite configuration files with malicious content, leading to further compromise of the underlying infrastructure or enabling persistent access mechanisms that evade standard detection methods.
From a classification perspective, this issue aligns closely with CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type if write capabilities are fully exploitable for payload delivery. In the context of attack tactics, this vulnerability facilitates initial access or credential harvesting as described in MITRE ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, followed by potential lateral movement through stolen credentials under T1552 Unsecured Credentials. The exploitation requires authentication, meaning it is classified as an authenticated insider threat vector or a post-exploitation privilege escalation path if the initial access was gained through other means such as social engineering or weak password policies.
Mitigation strategies must focus on strict input validation and secure file handling practices at both the application code level and infrastructure configuration levels. Developers should implement allowlist-based validation for all jslid parameters, ensuring that only alphanumeric characters and specific safe delimiters are accepted. Path resolution logic must be hardened to canonicalize paths before comparison against a predefined base directory, effectively neutralizing any attempt to traverse upward using relative path sequences or absolute path injections. Additionally, the file:// scheme should be explicitly blocked if it is not required for legitimate application functionality. On an operational level, administrators should rotate all database credentials immediately upon confirmation of potential exposure and review access logs for signs of unauthorized file reads. Implementing least-privilege principles for the DbGate service account ensures that even if exploitation occurs, the process lacks the necessary permissions to read sensitive configuration files or write to critical system directories, thereby containing the blast radius of any successful attack attempt.