GeoServer <2.23.5/2.24.3 ByteStream RCE on Win/Tomcat
CVE-2024-24749 Published on July 1, 2024
Classpath resource disclosure in GWC Web Resource API on Windows / Tomcat
GeoServer is an open source server that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. Prior to versions 2.23.5 and 2.24.3, if GeoServer is deployed in the Windows operating system using an Apache Tomcat web application server, it is possible to bypass existing input validation in the GeoWebCache ByteStreamController class and read arbitrary classpath resources with specific file name extensions. If GeoServer is also deployed as a web archive using the data directory embedded in the `geoserver.war` file (rather than an external data directory), it will likely be possible to read specific resources to gain administrator privileges. However, it is very unlikely that production environments will be using the embedded data directory since, depending on how GeoServer is deployed, it will be erased and re-installed (which would also reset to the default password) either every time the server restarts or every time a new GeoServer WAR is installed and is therefore difficult to maintain. An external data directory will always be used if GeoServer is running in standalone mode (via an installer or a binary). Versions 2.23.5 and 2.24.3 contain a patch for the issue. Some workarounds are available. One may change from a Windows environment to a Linux environment; or change from Apache Tomcat to Jetty application server. One may also disable anonymous access to the embeded GeoWebCache administration and status pages.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-24749 can be exploited with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a high impact on confidentiality, with no impact on integrity and availability.
Weakness Type
What is a Directory traversal Vulnerability?
The software uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the software does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
CVE-2024-24749 has been classified to as a Directory traversal vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2024-24749
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Affected Versions
geoserver:- Version < 2.23.5 is affected.
- Version >= 2.24.0, < 2.24.3 is affected.
- Before 2.23.5 is affected.
- Version 2.24.0 and below 2.24.3 is affected.
Vulnerable Packages
The following package name and versions may be associated with CVE-2024-24749
| Package Manager | Vulnerable Package | Versions | Fixed In |
|---|---|---|---|
| maven | org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app | < 2.23.5 | 2.23.5 |
| maven | org.geoserver.web:gs-web-app | >= 2.24.0, < 2.24.3 | 2.24.3 |
| maven | org.geoserver:gs-gwc | < 2.23.5 | 2.23.5 |
| maven | org.geoserver:gs-gwc | >= 2.24.0, < 2.24.3 | 2.24.3 |
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.