CVE-2025-5880
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in Whistle 2.9.98 allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the filename parameter in the /cgi-bin/sessions/get-temp-file endpoint. It affects systems running Whistle 2.9.98 with the vulnerable endpoint exposed. The vulnerability is classified as problematic with a CVSS score of 4.3.
💻 Affected Systems
- Whistle
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could read sensitive system files, configuration files, or application data, potentially leading to credential theft, system compromise, or data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Unauthorized file reading of temporary session files or other accessible files within the web server's context, potentially exposing session data or configuration information.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server sandboxing are in place, restricting access to non-sensitive files only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit has been publicly disclosed and requires only HTTP requests with manipulated filename parameter. No authentication appears to be required based on the description.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Vendor was contacted but did not respond. Consider upgrading to a newer version if available or implementing workarounds.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable endpoint
allBlock or disable access to the /cgi-bin/sessions/get-temp-file endpoint
# In web server configuration (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
# Add location block to deny access to the vulnerable path
location /cgi-bin/sessions/get-temp-file {
deny all;
return 403;
}
Input validation and sanitization
allImplement strict input validation on the filename parameter to prevent path traversal sequences
# Example in application code
# Validate filename doesn't contain path traversal sequences
if (filename.includes('..') || filename.includes('/') || filename.includes('\\')) {
return error_response('Invalid filename');
}
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences in the filename parameter
- Restrict file system permissions for the web server process to limit accessible directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test by sending a request to /cgi-bin/sessions/get-temp-file with filename parameter containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../../../etc/passwd) and checking if it returns files outside the intended directory.Check Version:
Check Whistle version in application interface or configuration files. For command line: whistle --version or check package manager.Verify Fix Applied:
After implementing workarounds, test that path traversal attempts return error responses or are blocked, and that legitimate requests still function properly.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /cgi-bin/sessions/get-temp-file with filename parameter containing '..', '/', or '\\' sequences
- Unusual file access patterns from web server process
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET/POST requests to vulnerable endpoint with suspicious filename parameters
- Unusual outbound data transfers following exploitation attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND uri_path="/cgi-bin/sessions/get-temp-file" AND (query_string="*..*" OR query_string="*../*")