CVE-2025-27092 Path Traversal Vulnerability in GHOSTS Photo Retrieval Endpoint
Attackers can read arbitrary files from the server via path traversal in the photo retrieval endpoint of the GHOSTS simulation framework.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2025-27092?
CVE-2025-27092 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in cmu-sei GHOSTS, published on 19 Feb 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
GHOSTS is an open source user simulation framework for cyber experimentation, simulation, training, and exercise. A path traversal vulnerability was discovered in GHOSTS version 8.0.0.0 that allows an attacker to access files outside of the intended directory through the photo retrieval endpoint. The vulnerability exists in the /api/npcs/{id}/photo endpoint, which is designed to serve profile photos for NPCs (Non-Player Characters) but fails to properly validate and sanitize file paths. When an NPC is created with a specially crafted photoLink value containing path traversal sequences (../, ..\, etc.), the application processes these sequences without proper sanitization. This allows an attacker to traverse directory structures and access files outside of the intended photo directory, potentially exposing sensitive system files. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it allows reading arbitrary files from the server's filesystem with the permissions of the web application process, which could include configuration files, credentials, or other sensitive data. This issue has been addressed in version 8.2.7.90 and all users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-27092?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Cmu Ghosts.
How do I fix CVE-2025-27092?
No fix has been published for CVE-2025-27092 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2025-27092 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2025-27092 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-qr67-m6w9-wj3j.