CVE-2023-40772 Overview
CVE-2023-40772 is a directory traversal vulnerability [CWE-23] in DataEase, an open-source data visualization and business intelligence platform. The flaw exists in the StaticResourceController.java component and affects DataEase versions before 1.18.10. An authenticated remote attacker can send a crafted request to traverse the file system and read sensitive files outside the intended static resource directory.
The vulnerability requires low privileges and no user interaction. It impacts confidentiality by exposing files accessible to the DataEase application process, but does not affect integrity or availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated remote attackers can read arbitrary files on the DataEase host by supplying path traversal sequences to the static resource endpoint.
Affected Products
- DataEase versions prior to 1.18.10
- StaticResourceController.java component
- Deployments exposing the DataEase web interface to authenticated users
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2023-40772 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-09-14 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-40772
Vulnerability Analysis
DataEase serves static resources through the StaticResourceController.java component. The controller accepts a path parameter that is concatenated with a base directory before being resolved on disk. Because the input is not normalized or validated against the intended resource root, an attacker can inject ../ sequences to escape the base directory.
The result is arbitrary file read within the permissions of the DataEase service account. Depending on deployment configuration, exposed files may include application configuration, database credentials, private keys, and other secrets stored on the host.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory [CWE-23]. The controller trusts user-supplied path segments and performs file system access without canonicalizing the resolved path or verifying it stays within the designated static resource folder.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network. An attacker with a valid low-privilege session sends an HTTP request to the static resource endpoint containing relative traversal sequences in the resource path. The DataEase backend resolves the path against the host file system and returns the file contents in the HTTP response.
No verified public exploit code is available. Refer to DataEase GitHub Issue #5864 for the technical discussion of the vulnerability.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-40772
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to DataEase static resource endpoints containing ../, ..\, URL-encoded %2e%2e%2f, or double-encoded traversal sequences
- Access log entries referencing sensitive file paths such as /etc/passwd, application.yml, or .env via the static resource controller
- Anomalous response sizes from static resource endpoints returning content types inconsistent with static assets
Detection Strategies
- Inspect DataEase and reverse proxy access logs for path traversal patterns targeting the static resource route
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that block traversal sequences and reject non-canonical paths on DataEase endpoints
- Correlate authenticated DataEase sessions with unusual file access patterns to identify low-privilege accounts probing the file system
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward DataEase application and access logs to a centralized log platform for retention and search
- Alert on repeated 200 responses to static resource requests containing traversal metacharacters
- Monitor for outbound exfiltration following suspicious static resource requests from DataEase hosts
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-40772
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade DataEase to version 1.18.10 or later, which contains the fix for the StaticResourceController.java component
- Restrict network access to DataEase to trusted users and networks while patching is scheduled
- Rotate credentials, tokens, and keys that may have been accessible to the DataEase service account if exploitation is suspected
Patch Information
The vulnerability is resolved in DataEase 1.18.10 and later. Review the fix and remediation discussion in DataEase GitHub Issue #5864 before deploying the upgrade.
Workarounds
- Place a reverse proxy or WAF in front of DataEase and reject requests to the static resource endpoint containing .., %2e%2e, or other encoded traversal sequences
- Run the DataEase process under a dedicated low-privilege account with a minimal file system view to limit the scope of any successful traversal
- Remove or relocate sensitive configuration files from directories reachable by the DataEase process where feasible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
