CVE-2025-59118: Apache OFBiz Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-59118 Overview

CVE-2025-59118 is an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability (CWE-434) affecting Apache OFBiz, a popular open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This vulnerability allows attackers to upload files with dangerous types without proper validation, potentially enabling remote code execution or other malicious activities on affected systems.

The vulnerability exists in Apache OFBiz versions prior to 24.09.03. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Apache OFBiz are exposed to network-based attacks that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their systems.

Critical Impact

Unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities can allow attackers to upload malicious executables, web shells, or other dangerous file types, potentially leading to complete system compromise through remote code execution.

Affected Products

• Apache OFBiz versions prior to 24.09.03
• All Apache OFBiz installations using default file upload functionality
• Enterprise deployments utilizing Apache OFBiz for ERP operations

Discovery Timeline

• November 12, 2025 - CVE-2025-59118 published to NVD
• November 13, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-59118

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of uploaded file types in Apache OFBiz. The application fails to properly restrict the types of files that can be uploaded through its file upload functionality. Without adequate file type validation, attackers can bypass intended security controls and upload files with dangerous extensions or content types.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation could result in partial compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-59118 is improper input validation in the file upload handling mechanism. Apache OFBiz versions before 24.09.03 do not adequately verify the type, content, or extension of uploaded files before storing them on the server. This allows malicious actors to upload executable code, web shells, or other dangerous file types that can be subsequently executed on the server.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Identifying a file upload endpoint in the Apache OFBiz application
2. Crafting a malicious file (such as a JSP web shell or executable)
3. Bypassing any client-side validation by directly sending the upload request
4. Uploading the malicious file to the server
5. Accessing or triggering the uploaded file to execute malicious code

The vulnerability does not require authentication or privileges to exploit, and no user interaction is needed, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing Apache OFBiz deployments.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-59118

Indicators of Compromise

• Presence of unexpected or suspicious files in upload directories, particularly those with executable extensions (.jsp, .jspx, .war, .jar)
• Unusual file access patterns in Apache OFBiz upload directories
• Web server logs showing requests to recently uploaded files with executable content
• Unexpected outbound network connections from the Apache OFBiz server
• New or modified files with timestamps that don't align with normal business operations

Detection Strategies

• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on Apache OFBiz upload directories to detect unauthorized file additions
• Configure web application firewall (WAF) rules to inspect file upload requests for dangerous file types
• Monitor Apache OFBiz application logs for unusual file upload activity or error patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify post-exploitation behavior
• Regularly scan upload directories for files with dangerous extensions or suspicious content

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for file upload operations in Apache OFBiz
• Set up alerts for new file creations in web-accessible directories
• Monitor network traffic for command-and-control patterns originating from the OFBiz server
• Implement real-time log analysis for indicators of web shell activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-59118

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache OFBiz to version 24.09.03 or later immediately
• Audit existing upload directories for any suspicious or malicious files
• Implement network-level controls to restrict access to Apache OFBiz instances from untrusted networks
• Review and remove any unauthorized files that may have been uploaded prior to patching
• Consider temporarily disabling file upload functionality until the patch is applied if immediate upgrade is not possible

Patch Information

Apache has released version 24.09.03 to address this vulnerability. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to this version or later to remediate the issue. The fix implements proper validation of uploaded file types to prevent the upload of dangerous file content.

For detailed patch information, refer to the Apache OFBiz Release Notes and the Apache OFBiz Download Page. Additional technical details can be found in the Apache JIRA Issue OFBIZ-13292.

Workarounds

• Implement strict file type validation at the web server or reverse proxy level to block dangerous file extensions
• Configure web application firewall rules to inspect and restrict file upload requests
• Place Apache OFBiz behind a VPN or restrict network access to trusted IP addresses only
• Implement file upload size limits and content-type validation at the infrastructure level
• Regularly scan upload directories for suspicious files and remove any unauthorized content

# Example: Block dangerous file extensions in Apache configuration
<Directory "/path/to/ofbiz/uploads">
    # Deny execution of uploaded scripts
    <FilesMatch "\.(jsp|jspx|war|jar|sh|exe|php)$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>