External risk intelligence

UReport Directory Traversal Allows Arbitrary File Deletion.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.1)

CVE-2023-24188

uReport is a Java-based reporting engine typically integrated into web applications to generate and display reports. Because these reporting components are often exposed as part of an application's web interface or management dashboard for end-user or administrative access, they are commonly deployed in internet-facing web contexts.

Path Traversal

Ureport Project Ureport

2.2.9

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A directory traversal vulnerability has been identified in uReport, a reporting technology. This issue allows for the deletion of arbitrary files, which could have significant implications for data integrity and system availability if exploited. The primary concern is to confirm if this technology is in use and assess the potential exposure.

Allows unauthorized deletion of any file.
Critical access flaw in reporting technology.
Confirm relevance and potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to a web application using uReport. The vulnerability lies in the deletion function, which lacks proper validation, allowing an attacker to manipulate file paths. This could lead to the deletion of arbitrary files on the server.

Unauthenticated access to the application.
Triggering the deletion function with a malicious path.
Arbitrary file deletion on the server.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A directory traversal vulnerability in uReport's deletion function could allow an unauthenticated attacker to delete arbitrary files on the server. This could impact system stability or data integrity when the deletion functionality is accessible.

System files could be deleted.
Unauthenticated access to deletion function.
System instability or data loss.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The uReport application owner is responsible for addressing this directory traversal vulnerability, which allows for arbitrary file deletion. The immediate first step is to identify all instances of uReport, assess their reachability and business criticality, and locate the accountable owner for each instance. Subsequently, a remediation plan should be developed based on the identified risks.

Application owners must own the issue.
Verify exposure and business criticality.
Plan risk-based remediation.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

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Frequently asked questions

What is uReport?

uReport is a Java-based reporting engine designed to be embedded within larger web applications. Developers use it to generate, manage, and display data-driven reports for end users or administrators. Because it functions as a component of a web application's dashboard, it is often tightly integrated into the reporting interface of the software suite that hosts it.

What does directory traversal mean for CVE-2023-24188?

This vulnerability involves a weakness known as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory (CWE-22). In plain English, the software fails to properly sanitize user input, allowing an attacker to escape intended folder boundaries. In the context of CVE-2023-24188, this flaw specifically affects the file deletion function, permitting the unauthorized removal of files located anywhere on the server's filesystem.

How does an attacker trigger this file deletion?

An attacker triggers this flaw by sending a specially crafted request to the uReport component. The system does not verify the path provided in the request, which allows an attacker to specify files outside of the authorized directory. It is important to note that this bug specifically targets the deletion mechanism; requests that do not interact with this function will not trigger the vulnerability.

Why should I care about this if my system is internal?

Halo Surface Signal identifies uReport as a technology often deployed in internet-facing web contexts due to its role in reporting dashboards. While internal instances face a lower risk from remote actors, any application exposure increases the potential surface area for an attacker. You should assess whether the specific reporting interface using uReport is reachable from outside your network to determine your level of urgency.

What should I do if I am running uReport?

The first step is to inventory all applications in your environment that utilize uReport to understand where it is deployed. Once identified, map these instances to their respective business owners and evaluate whether the reporting features are accessible via the internet. Use this information to prioritize risk management and coordinate with the relevant teams to establish a plan for applying necessary updates or security controls.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.