CVE-2024-25386 Overview
CVE-2024-25386 is a directory traversal vulnerability in the Laurel Bridge DICOM® Connectivity Framework (DCF) affecting versions before v2.7.6b. The flaw resides in the format_logfile.pl script exposed through the DCF Operations window. An authenticated remote attacker can manipulate path parameters to break out of the intended log directory and execute arbitrary code on the host. The issue is tracked as CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution on systems running DCF, exposing medical imaging workflows and PHI-adjacent infrastructure to compromise.
Affected Products
- Laurel Bridge DICOM Connectivity Framework (DCF) versions prior to v2.7.6b
- Deployments exposing the DCF Operations window with format_logfile.pl reachable over the network
- Medical imaging environments integrating DCF for DICOM routing and processing
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-03-01 - CVE-2024-25386 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-25386
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the format_logfile.pl Perl script bundled with the DCF Operations window. The script accepts a filename parameter that is used to construct a path for reading and formatting log files. Input is not properly sanitized against directory traversal sequences.
An authenticated remote attacker can supply crafted input containing traversal sequences such as ../ to reference files outside the intended log directory. Because the script processes the referenced file through Perl execution paths, attacker-controlled content can lead to arbitrary command execution on the underlying host.
The attack requires low privileges and no user interaction, and it can be launched over the network. Impact is high across confidentiality, integrity, and availability, since arbitrary code execution on a DCF host allows manipulation of medical imaging data flows.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing path canonicalization and inadequate input validation in format_logfile.pl. The script trusts caller-supplied path components without enforcing a restricted base directory or rejecting traversal metacharacters, which violates the safe file-handling pattern described in CWE-22.
Attack Vector
An authenticated user of the DCF Operations interface sends an HTTP request to the format_logfile.pl endpoint with a manipulated filename parameter. The parameter chains traversal sequences with a payload that Perl interpreters or downstream shell invocations evaluate, resulting in remote command execution in the context of the DCF service account. Public proof-of-concept material is available on the GitHub Gist PoC and in the Sec Blog write-up on DCF Operations Window Remote Command Execute.
No verified exploit code is reproduced here. Refer to the linked references for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-25386
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to format_logfile.pl containing ../, ..\, URL-encoded traversal sequences such as %2e%2e%2f, or absolute paths outside the DCF log directory
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the DCF service account (for example, cmd.exe, powershell.exe, sh, or perl invoking additional binaries)
- Access or modification of files outside the intended DCF logging path from the web server context
- Outbound network connections initiated by DCF service processes to attacker-controlled infrastructure
Detection Strategies
- Enable web server access logging on the DCF Operations interface and alert on traversal patterns targeting format_logfile.pl
- Baseline the process tree of DCF services and flag deviations, particularly command interpreters spawned from Perl or web handler processes
- Correlate authentication events on the DCF Operations window with subsequent file access anomalies to identify credential misuse
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward DCF host logs, web access logs, and endpoint telemetry to a centralized data lake for retention and query
- Monitor filesystem activity on directories adjacent to the DCF log path for unauthorized reads or writes
- Track network egress from DCF hosts to detect post-exploitation command-and-control traffic
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-25386
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade DCF to version 2.7.6b or later as instructed in the Laurel Bridge Security Notice
- Restrict network access to the DCF Operations window using firewall rules or reverse proxy access controls
- Rotate credentials for any account authorized to access the DCF Operations interface
- Audit DCF hosts for signs of prior exploitation, including anomalous processes and unexpected files in web-accessible directories
Patch Information
Laurel Bridge released a fixed build in DCF v2.7.6b that addresses the traversal flaw in format_logfile.pl. Administrators should follow the vendor upgrade path documented in the Laurel Bridge Security Notice and validate the running build after deployment.
Workarounds
- Disable or block access to the format_logfile.pl endpoint at the web server or reverse proxy until patching is complete
- Segment DCF hosts on a management VLAN reachable only from trusted administrative networks
- Enforce strong authentication and least privilege for accounts with access to the DCF Operations window
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that rejects requests containing ../, ..\, or encoded equivalents targeting DCF Perl endpoints
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
