Ghost Theme Translation Path Traversal Vulnerability Exposes Server Secrets

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a path traversal issue in Ghost versions 1.20.0 to 6.64.0. Authenticated administrators can manipulate the locale setting to load JSON files outside the active theme directory, potentially exposing server configuration secrets.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check Ghost versions between 1.20.0 and 6.63.0. Verify if the locale parameter in theme translation requests can access files outside the theme directory. Look for unauthorized JSON file reads in server logs or file access patterns.

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Impact Analysis

An attacker with administrator access could read sensitive server files, including configuration secrets. This could lead to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or further attacks on the server.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could expose server configuration secrets, which may include sensitive data such as API keys, database credentials, or other confidential information. If such data is accessed, it could lead to violations of GDPR (if personal data is exposed) or HIPAA (if protected health information is compromised). Unauthorized access to configuration files may also indicate a failure to implement adequate security controls, potentially violating compliance requirements for data protection and access management.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update Ghost to version 6.64.0 or later. Restrict administrator access to only trusted users. Monitor file access logs for suspicious JSON file reads outside the theme directory. Apply network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized locale parameter manipulation.

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