Path Traversal in automateyournetwork MCPyATS

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a path traversal issue in the automateyournetwork MCPyATS framework up to version 0.1.4. It occurs in the function processGenerateRequest within the file mcp_servers/mermaid/index.ts. The vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the folder and name parameters to write files to arbitrary locations on the filesystem where the server has write permissions. The attack requires local access and can lead to unauthorized file creation or overwrites.

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Detection Guidance

Check for unexpected file writes in directories writable by the MCPyATS server user. Monitor for files created with arbitrary names or paths outside the intended output directory. Review logs for calls to the generate_mermaid_markdown tool with folder/name parameters containing path traversal sequences like ../.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access to write files to arbitrary directories on the server. This might result in filesystem pollution, overwriting important files, or creating files that could be used for further attacks. The impact is limited to the server's privilege context, meaning only files writable by the server user can be affected.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially impact compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by enabling unauthorized file writes to arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. For GDPR, this may lead to unauthorized data access or modification if sensitive files are overwritten or created in restricted directories. For HIPAA, it could allow improper handling of protected health information if files containing such data are manipulated without authorization.

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Mitigation Strategies

Restrict the generate_mermaid_markdown tool to write only to a predefined safe output directory. Validate the folder and name parameters to reject absolute paths and path separators. Use server-generated filenames instead of allowing caller-specified names. Update to the latest patched version if available.

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