changedetection.io: LFR/Path Traversal Exploit

Published Date: December 28, 2024

Package Affected Versions Patched Versions Severity
📦 changedetection.io (pip) < 0.48.05 0.48.05 High

Description

Summary


Improper input validation in changedetection.io allows attackers to exploit Local File Read (LFR) and path traversal vulnerabilities. Attackers can manipulate file paths using specially crafted input, such as file:../../../etc/passwd, to access sensitive files.

While previous patches attempted to address this issue, they remain insufficient, as attackers can still bypass checks using variations like:

  • file:../../../../etc/passwd

  • file: ///etc/passwd (with an extra space before /)






Vulnerability Details


The problematic code lies in this validation check:

if re.search(r'^file:/', url.strip(), re.IGNORECASE):


This regex aims to block file:/ access but fails to account for variations attackers might use, such as extra spaces or repeated ../.

Exploitation Example:

  1. Run an instance of changedetection.io with a webdriver.

  2. Create a new watch with: file:../../../../etc/passwd.

  3. Preview the watch.

  4. The contents of /etc/passwd will be displayed.

Patches & Workarounds

Potential Fix


Strengthen the regex validation and ensure strict path sanitization. Example:

if re.search(r'^(file://|file:/)', url.strip(), re.IGNORECASE):

    raise ValueError("File protocol access is not allowed.")

if '../' in url or '..\\' in url:

    raise ValueError("Path traversal detected.")


Additionally:

  • Validate inputs against an allowlist.

  • Use secure libraries or built-in utilities for path handling.


Recommendation: Upgrade to version 0.48.05 immediately.

References

https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-56509
Share this:
  • Cybersecurity Risks of U.S. Trade Tariffs: Impact on Supply Chains in Canada, Mexico & the EU

    In early 2025, the U.S. government announced new tariffs aimed at Canada, Mexico, and potentially the European Union. While the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are temporarily on hold, businesses are already adjusting supply chains to prepare for the financial impact. Trade policies like these cause ripple effects across industries, and cybersecurity often takes a…

  • Dark Web & Small Businesses: How Hackers Sell Your Data

    Many small business owners assume that cyberattacks only target large corporations. They imagine hackers as shadowy figures breaching high-security networks of multinational companies. The reality is much bleaker: small businesses are prime targets because they often lack strong cybersecurity defenses. Worse, once stolen, their data often ends up for sale on the dark web.

  • Top 10 Viruses and Malware Wreaking Havoc in January 2025

    Learn how to identify and defend against the latest cybersecurity threats like Banshee, Clop Ransomware, and AI-powered attacks. Stay one step ahead of hackers with this detailed guide.

  • Should You Invest in DIY AI Assistants?

    With AI technologies advancing rapidly, there’s growing interest in building personal assistants at home. Today, big names like Alexa and Google Home dominate the market, but their capabilities remain limited by their current integrations. Meanwhile, ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini have revolutionized conversational AI, although they lack standalone devices or wake-word functionality. These limitations won’t last…

  • How Spilled Coffee Saved a Company

    Small businesses face countless threats—phishing attacks, ransomware, budget constraints, and, occasionally, over-caffeinated interns. This is the story of Taxify Associates, a mid-sized accounting firm that narrowly avoided financial ruin thanks to a spilled cup of coffee, a frayed carpet, and one overworked IT manager.

  • How Cybercriminals Bypass Apple iMessage Security Protections

    Cybercriminals have found a simple yet effective way to bypass Apple’s phishing protections built into iMessage. This exploit enables them to trick users into activating dangerous phishing links. As mobile devices dominate how people pay bills, shop, and communicate, phishing attacks (a form of fraudulent message-based scamming) are becoming more popular among bad actors.