CVE-2024-38819: High-Severity Path Traversal Vulnerability in Spring Framework

A newly identified vulnerability, CVE-2024-38819, affects Spring Framework applications, specifically those using the WebMvc.fn or WebFlux.fn functional web frameworks. This high-severity path traversal vulnerability allows attackers to bypass path restrictions by exploiting double URL encoding, potentially exposing files on the server to unauthorized access. Applications serving static resources through Spring’s functional frameworks are at heightened risk, as this bypass could grant attackers access to sensitive files within the application’s file system.

Affected Versions

The following Spring Framework versions are affected by CVE-2024-38819:

• Versions 6.1.0 to 6.1.13
• Versions 6.0.0 to 6.0.24
• Versions prior to 5.3.41

A patch is available in NES for Spring v5.3.43 by HeroDevs, providing a secure solution for those unable to migrate to newer, community-supported Spring versions.

Vulnerability Details

This path traversal vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the spring-webflux and spring-webmvc packages. By using double URL encoding, attackers can craft HTTP requests that bypass the intended path restrictions, allowing unauthorized access to files that should be inaccessible. This issue is particularly relevant to applications using Spring’s functional web framework for serving static resources.

Mitigation

Since Spring Framework 5.3 has reached end-of-life (EOL) and is no longer community-supported, users running older versions are encouraged to take immediate steps to mitigate this vulnerability. Suggested options include:

1. Upgrading to a supported version: Updating to the latest community-supported version of Spring Framework provides security patches and improvements.
2. Leveraging HeroDevs’ Never-Ending Support for Spring: For those unable to migrate, adopting NES for Spring offers ongoing security patches, including protection against CVE-2024-38819, ensuring your applications remain secure without requiring a full upgrade.

Why Choose HeroDevs’ NES for Spring?

For organizations relying on EOL Spring Framework versions, HeroDevs’ NES for Spring provides essential, continuous support. Our NES product line delivers regular patches and critical security updates, allowing applications to stay secure, compliant, and operational well beyond their community-supported lifecycle. 

Conclusion

CVE-2024-38819 highlights the importance of addressing security vulnerabilities, even in legacy applications. HeroDevs’ Spring NES is designed to help organizations maintain secure operations without the need for disruptive upgrades, protecting your applications against emerging threats like path traversal vulnerabilities.

To learn more about protecting your Spring applications with HeroDevs’ NES, and for detailed technical information on CVE-2024-38819, please visit our vulnerability directory.