IBM Langflow Path Traversal Vulnerability Exposes Sensitive Data

Executive Summary

This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem by exploiting the files parameter in an authenticated build request. The attacker can access sensitive data like secret keys, database files, and other tenants' upload directories. The file contents are embedded in prompts and sent to the configured model endpoint, leading to data exfiltration.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, monitor for unauthorized file reads or unusual file attachments in language model prompts. Check logs for requests containing absolute paths or traversal sequences in the 'files' parameter of authenticated build requests. Look for unexpected data exfiltration to configured model endpoints.

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Impact Analysis

An attacker could steal confidential data such as server secrets, application databases, or other tenants' files. This could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or further attacks on the system or connected services.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could result in non-compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations due to unauthorized access and exfiltration of sensitive data. Organizations may face legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately upgrade IBM Langflow OSS to a version beyond 1.11.2. Ensure LANGFLOW_RESTRICT_LOCAL_FILE_ACCESS=true is enforced globally. Review and restrict file access permissions. Monitor network traffic for suspicious data exfiltration to model endpoints. Audit logs for unauthorized file reads or traversal attempts.

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