CVE-2024-2563: PandaX Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2024-2563 Overview

A critical path traversal vulnerability has been identified in PandaXGO PandaX up to version 20240310. This vulnerability affects the DeleteImage function within the file /apps/system/router/upload.go. By manipulating the fileName argument with directory traversal sequences such as ../../../../../../../../../tmp/1.txt, an attacker can traverse outside the intended directory structure to access or delete arbitrary files on the system.

Critical Impact

This path traversal vulnerability allows remote unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to system compromise, data loss, or denial of service through the deletion of critical system files.

Affected Products

• PandaXGO PandaX versions up to and including 20240310
• PandaX deployments with exposed upload router endpoints
• Systems running vulnerable /apps/system/router/upload.go implementations

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-03-17 - CVE-2024-2563 published to NVD
• 2025-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-2563

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-24 (Path Traversal: '../filedir'), a common weakness where user-controlled input is used to construct filesystem paths without proper sanitization. The DeleteImage function in PandaX fails to validate or sanitize the fileName parameter before using it in file operations. This oversight allows attackers to escape the intended upload directory and target files anywhere on the filesystem that the application has permissions to access.

The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. The vulnerability can be triggered remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing PandaX installations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to delete configuration files, application data, or even system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise or denial of service.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient input validation within the DeleteImage function. The application directly uses the fileName parameter provided by the user without sanitizing path traversal characters such as ../ sequences. This allows attackers to construct malicious file paths that escape the intended directory boundary and reference arbitrary locations on the filesystem.

Proper input validation should include canonicalizing the path, validating that the resolved path remains within the allowed directory, and rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences.

Attack Vector

The attack can be initiated remotely over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint with a malicious fileName parameter containing directory traversal sequences. The payload ../../../../../../../../../tmp/1.txt demonstrates how an attacker can traverse multiple directory levels to reach the root filesystem and target any file.

The attack sequence involves:

1. Identifying a PandaX installation with the vulnerable DeleteImage endpoint exposed
2. Crafting an HTTP request with a malicious fileName parameter containing ../ sequences
3. Submitting the request to delete arbitrary files outside the intended upload directory
4. Potentially chaining with other vulnerabilities or deleting critical files to achieve further compromise

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-2563

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to /apps/system/router/upload.go endpoints containing ../ or encoded variants (%2e%2e%2f)
• Unexpected file deletions in system directories or outside the application's upload folder
• Log entries showing access to the DeleteImage function with suspicious path characters
• File integrity monitoring alerts for unexpected modifications to critical system files

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal sequences in HTTP parameters
• Monitor application logs for requests containing ../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/, or similar encoded traversal patterns
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical system files and application directories
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on known path traversal attack signatures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all file operations within the PandaX application
• Set up real-time alerting for file deletion events in sensitive directories
• Monitor network traffic for HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable upload router
• Implement baseline behavior analysis to detect anomalous file access patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-2563

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the GitHub Pull Request #3 for the official fix and apply the patch immediately
• If patching is not immediately possible, restrict network access to the PandaX application
• Implement web application firewall rules to block path traversal attempts
• Audit recent access logs for potential exploitation attempts

Patch Information

The vendor has addressed this vulnerability through a pull request. Organizations should update to a version of PandaXGO PandaX that includes the fix from Pull Request #3. The patch implements proper input validation to prevent directory traversal attacks against the DeleteImage function.

Additional technical details and threat intelligence information are available through the VulDB entry.

Workarounds

• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to PandaX administrative interfaces from untrusted networks
• Configure a reverse proxy or WAF to filter requests containing path traversal patterns before they reach the application
• Apply filesystem permissions to limit the application's ability to access or modify files outside its designated directories
• Consider temporarily disabling the DeleteImage functionality until the patch can be applied