CVE-2021-23415: Directory Traversal in elFinder.AspNet
Summary
CVE-2021-23415: Directory Traversal in elFinder.AspNet. Affects elFinder.AspNet versions < 1.1.1. Fixed in 1.1.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
elFinder.AspNet is a package in the NuGet ecosystem that provides a file manager for ASP.NET applications. It allows users to browse, upload, and manage files and directories on the server. The package is widely used in web applications that require file management functionality. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in versions before 1.1.1 that allows for directory traversal attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in elFinder.AspNet arises from the improper sanitization of user-controlled file names before they are used to create a file system path. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file name and traverse directories outside of the intended scope. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can access sensitive files and directories on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of information or remote code execution.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 1.1.1 as of 22 Oct 2026
The newest release already contains this fix.
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Workaround
If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to implement additional input validation and sanitization measures when processing user-controlled file names. This can include restricting the allowed characters, removing or replacing any directory traversal sequences, and validating the file name against a whitelist of allowed characters.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in elFinder.AspNet allows for directory traversal attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories on the server. It is crucial for developers to upgrade to the latest version of elFinder.AspNet (1.1.1 or later) to mitigate this vulnerability. In the meantime, implementing additional input validation and sanitization measures can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
elFinder.AspNet is a package in the NuGet ecosystem that provides a file manager for ASP.NET applications. It allows users to browse, upload, and manage files and directories on the server.
Directory traversal, also known as path traversal, is an attack technique where an attacker manipulates file paths to access files or directories outside of the intended scope. It can be used to access sensitive files, execute arbitrary code, or perform other unauthorized actions.
By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can access sensitive files and directories on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of information or remote code execution. This can result in data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive data, or even complete compromise of the affected system.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in software, using just the packages.config file.
At the time of this advisory, there are no known public exploits specifically targeting this vulnerability. However, it is important to promptly apply the recommended fix to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
References
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