Executive Summary

This vulnerability in Grav, a file-based web platform, occurs when a user with permission to create new users inputs a username containing path traversal sequences (like ../ or ..\). This causes Grav to write the new user's account YAML file outside the intended directory (user/accounts/), potentially overwriting or creating files in unintended locations. The YAML file can include sensitive account information such as email, fullname, two-factor authentication secrets, and hashed passwords. This issue was fixed in version 1.8.0-beta.27.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized file creation or modification outside the designated user accounts directory, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical files or inject malicious data. Because the YAML files contain sensitive information like hashed passwords and two-factor authentication secrets, exploitation could result in account compromise, data leakage, and full system compromise. The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade Grav to version 1.8.0-beta.27 or later, as this version contains the fix for the path traversal vulnerability when creating users through the Admin UI.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0