CVE-2025-54141
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a directory traversal vulnerability in ViewVC's standalone.py script that allows attackers to read arbitrary files from the host server's filesystem. Affected are ViewVC installations running versions 1.1.0-1.1.31 or 1.2.0-1.2.3 where the standalone script is exposed. This could lead to exposure of sensitive configuration files, credentials, or source code.
💻 Affected Systems
- ViewVC
📦 What is this software?
Viewvc by Viewvc
Viewvc by Viewvc
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise through exposure of sensitive files like SSH keys, database credentials, or configuration files containing secrets, potentially leading to lateral movement or data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Unauthorized reading of repository configuration files, source code, or other sensitive files stored on the server, potentially exposing intellectual property or credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions restrict access to sensitive files, though directory traversal still allows reading of any accessible files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Directory traversal attacks are well-understood and easy to automate. The advisory includes technical details that could be used to create exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.1.31 or 1.2.4
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/viewvc/viewvc/security/advisories/GHSA-rv3m-76rj-q397
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Stop the ViewVC standalone service. 2. Upgrade to ViewVC 1.1.31 or 1.2.4. 3. Restart the ViewVC service. 4. Verify the fix by testing directory traversal attempts.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable standalone.py script
linuxStop using the vulnerable standalone.py script and switch to a web server deployment method (mod_python, mod_wsgi, or CGI).
sudo systemctl stop viewvc-standalone
sudo systemctl disable viewvc-standalone
Network access restrictions
linuxRestrict network access to the standalone.py service using firewall rules to limit exposure.
sudo ufw deny from any to any port 49152
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 49152 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the standalone.py service immediately and switch to a web server deployment method.
- Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to the vulnerable service.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if standalone.py is running and test with a directory traversal payload like '../../etc/passwd' in the URL path.Check Version:
python -c "import viewvc; print(viewvc.__version__)" or check the viewvc/__init__.py fileVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, attempt directory traversal attacks and verify they return error messages instead of file contents.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' sequences in URLs
- Access to unusual file paths via the ViewVC service
- Failed file access attempts with traversal patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unusual patterns of file requests to the ViewVC standalone service
- Requests for known sensitive files (passwd, shadow, config files)
SIEM Query:
source="viewvc.log" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*..\\*" OR url="*/etc/*" OR url="*/config/*")