CVE-2024-36104: Apache OFBiz Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2024-36104 Overview

CVE-2024-36104 is a critical Path Traversal vulnerability affecting Apache OFBiz, an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to access files and directories outside the intended web root by manipulating file path inputs. The vulnerability exists in Apache OFBiz versions prior to 18.12.14.

Path traversal attacks exploit insufficient input validation on file path parameters, enabling attackers to use special characters like ../ sequences to escape the application's restricted directory structure. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, credential stores, and other critical system resources.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote attackers can read sensitive files and potentially modify system data through path traversal sequences, compromising confidentiality and integrity of the affected Apache OFBiz installation.

Affected Products

• Apache OFBiz versions prior to 18.12.14
• Apache OFBiz ERP deployments accessible over the network
• Self-hosted and cloud-based Apache OFBiz installations

Discovery Timeline

• June 4, 2024 - CVE-2024-36104 published to NVD
• July 1, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-36104

Vulnerability Analysis

This path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) allows attackers to bypass directory restrictions and access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied file paths within Apache OFBiz's request handling mechanisms. When the application processes requests containing file path parameters, it fails to adequately sanitize path traversal sequences before constructing the final file system path.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing OFBiz deployments. Successful exploitation enables attackers to read sensitive files such as configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, and other confidential data. Additionally, the vulnerability may allow modification of files, potentially enabling further attacks such as code injection or configuration tampering.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-36104 lies in insufficient input validation when processing file path parameters. The application fails to properly sanitize or reject path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, encoded variants) before using user input to construct file system paths. This allows attackers to escape the intended directory boundaries and access files anywhere on the system that the application has permissions to read.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploited remotely over the network. An unauthenticated attacker can send specially crafted HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences in URL parameters or request bodies. These malicious inputs cause the application to resolve file paths outside the intended directory, granting unauthorized file access.

The attack does not require any user interaction, allowing automated scanning and exploitation. Attackers typically target sensitive files such as /etc/passwd, application configuration files, database connection strings, and encryption keys to facilitate further compromise of the system.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-36104

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, %2e%2e%2f, or ..%252f in URL paths or parameters
• Unusual file access patterns in web server logs showing attempts to access files outside web root directories
• Requests targeting common sensitive files like /etc/passwd, web.xml, ofbiz-component.xml, or database configuration files
• Increased error responses (403/404) from path validation failures during attack attempts

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor Apache OFBiz application logs for suspicious file access attempts and path normalization errors
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for known path traversal attack patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify anomalous file system access by the OFBiz application process

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for file access operations within Apache OFBiz to capture attempted path traversal attacks
• Implement real-time alerting for HTTP requests containing encoded or double-encoded path traversal sequences
• Monitor system file integrity for unauthorized modifications to configuration files and sensitive data stores
• Establish baseline network traffic patterns and alert on anomalous request volumes targeting OFBiz endpoints

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-36104

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 18.12.14 or later immediately to remediate this vulnerability
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to OFBiz instances from untrusted networks
• Deploy WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences as a temporary mitigation
• Review access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts and investigate any suspicious activity

Patch Information

Apache has released version 18.12.14 which addresses this path traversal vulnerability. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to this version or later. The official fix can be obtained from the Apache OFBiz Download Page. Additional security information is available from the Apache OFBiz Security Information page. Technical details about the fix can be found in the Apache Jira OFBIZ-13092 Bug tracker.

Workarounds

• Deploy a reverse proxy or WAF in front of OFBiz to filter requests containing path traversal patterns before they reach the application
• Restrict network access to the OFBiz application using firewall rules to limit exposure to trusted IP ranges only
• Implement strict input validation at the application gateway level to sanitize file path parameters
• Consider temporarily taking vulnerable OFBiz instances offline if they are internet-facing and cannot be immediately patched

# Example WAF rule to block path traversal attempts (ModSecurity)
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|ARGS_NAMES "@rx (\.\.\/|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e%2f|%252e%252e%252f)" \
    "id:100001,phase:1,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt Blocked - CVE-2024-36104'"