CVE-2023-35840 : What You Need to Know

A path traversal vulnerability in elFinder before version 2.1.62 has been identified, allowing attackers to navigate outside of the intended directory.

Understanding CVE-2023-35840

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-35840 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-35840?

The vulnerability resides in the _joinPath function within the elFinderVolumeLocalFileSystem.class.php file in elFinder before version 2.1.62. It enables path traversal in the PHP LocalVolumeDriver connector, potentially leading to unauthorized directory access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-35840

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in attackers bypassing access restrictions and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories on the affected system, posing a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-35840

In this section, we delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-35840.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for path traversal within the PHP LocalVolumeDriver connector, facilitating unauthorized access to directories outside the intended scope.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of elFinder before 2.1.62 are impacted by this vulnerability, potentially affecting systems utilizing the affected software.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating input to the _joinPath function, allowing them to navigate to unauthorized directories and access confidential information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Outlined below are strategies to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-35840.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update elFinder to version 2.1.62 or the latest available version to patch the vulnerability.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms in applications utilizing elFinder to mitigate the risk of path traversal attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from the elFinder project to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities and patches.
Conduct routine security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any security weaknesses in the environment.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates provided by the elFinder project to protect systems from known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security posture.