CVE-2022-4244: Directory Traversal Vulnerability in org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils
Summary
CVE-2022-4244: plexus-codehaus vulnerable to directory traversal. Affects org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils versions < 3.0.24. Fixed in 3.0.24. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- plexus-utils2 · Debian:11
The same CVE-2022-4244 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils is a Maven package that provides utility classes commonly used in Java projects. It offers various functionalities such as file manipulation, string handling, and system interaction. However, this package is vulnerable to a directory traversal attack, also known as path traversal. This attack allows an attacker to access files and directories outside of the intended folder by manipulating file paths. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to critical system files, application source code, and configuration files.
Vulnerability Detail
The directory traversal vulnerability in org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils allows an attacker to access files and directories outside of the intended folder structure. By using dot-dot-slash sequences (../) or absolute file paths, an attacker can bypass file system restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This can result in the exposure of critical system files, including application source code and configuration files. The impact of this vulnerability can be significant, as it provides an avenue for attackers to gather sensitive information and potentially exploit other vulnerabilities.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 4.1.0 as of 23 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
3.0.24
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update the org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils package to the fixed version to mitigate the risk of a directory traversal attack.
Conclusion
The directory traversal vulnerability in org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils can lead to unauthorized access to critical system files and sensitive information. It is crucial to update the package to the fixed version (3.0.24 or later) to mitigate the risk. Implementing proper input validation and secure file access methods can help prevent directory traversal attacks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils →
FAQ
A directory traversal attack, also known as path traversal, is a technique used by attackers to access files and directories outside of the intended folder structure. By manipulating file paths, attackers can bypass file system restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
A directory traversal vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to critical system files, application source code, and configuration files. This can result in the exposure of sensitive information, potential data breaches, and the ability for attackers to exploit other vulnerabilities.
To protect your application from directory traversal attacks, it is crucial to validate and sanitize user input that is used to construct file paths. Implementing proper input validation and using secure file access methods can help prevent directory traversal vulnerabilities.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is recommended to update the org.codehaus.plexus:plexus-utils package to the fixed version to mitigate the risk.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including technical details and the fixed version, in the GitHub Advisory Database: https://github.com/github/advisory-database/blob/main/advisories/github-reviewed/2023/09/GHSA-g6ph-x5wf-g337/GHSA-g6ph-x5wf-g337.json
References
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