CVE-2024-55213
📋 TL;DR
A directory traversal vulnerability in dhtmlxFileExplorer v8.4.6 allows remote attackers to access sensitive files outside the intended directory via the file listing function. This affects any web application using this vulnerable component, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, or other sensitive data.
💻 Affected Systems
- dhtmlxFileExplorer
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server file system disclosure including configuration files, passwords, SSH keys, and sensitive application data leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
Exposure of web application configuration files, source code, and potentially sensitive user data stored in accessible directories.
If Mitigated
Limited to directory traversal attempts being blocked by web application firewalls or proper input validation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit details available on Packet Storm, making this easily weaponizable by attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Unknown
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Check dhtmlx.com for security updates. If no patch exists, implement workarounds or replace the component.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement server-side validation to reject directory traversal sequences like ../, ..\, and absolute paths.
Implement input sanitization in your application code before passing to dhtmlxFileExplorer
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock directory traversal patterns at the WAF level.
Add WAF rule to block requests containing ../, ..\, or similar traversal patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove or disable the vulnerable file explorer component entirely
- Implement strict file system permissions and limit the web server user's access to only necessary directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test if you can access files outside the intended directory by manipulating file paths in the file explorer interface.Check Version:
Check your application's package.json or component version in the dhtmlxFileExplorer source filesVerify Fix Applied:
Attempt directory traversal after implementing fixes to confirm access is blocked.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing ../, ..\, or similar traversal patterns in file parameters
- Unusual file access patterns from web application logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with encoded directory traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f, ..%5c)
SIEM Query:
web.url:*../* OR web.url:*..\* OR web.url:*%2e%2e%2f*