CVE-2025-34120: Path Traversal

Description

An unauthenticated file download vulnerability exists in LimeSurvey versions from 2.0+ up to and including 2.06+ Build 151014. The application fails to validate serialized input to the admin backup endpoint (`index.php/admin/update/sa/backup`), allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths using a crafted `datasupdateinfo` payload. The files are packaged in a ZIP archive and made available for download without authentication. This vulnerability can be exploited to read arbitrary files on the host system, including sensitive OS and configuration files.

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Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-22 Path Traversal

CWE-306 Missing Authentication

References

Other References

https://packetstorm.news/files/id/180855 https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/auxiliary/admin/http/limesurvey_file_download.rb https://sec-consult.com/vulnerability-lab/advisory/multiple-critical-vulnerabilities-in-lime-survey/ https://web.archive.org/web/20210123073627/https://www.limesurvey.org/blog/22-security/136-limesurvey-security-advisory-10-2015 https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/limesurvey-unauthenticated-arbitrary-file-download

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-34120? +

An unauthenticated file download vulnerability exists in LimeSurvey versions from 2.0+ up to and including 2.06+ Build 151014. The application fails to validate serialized input to the admin backup endpoint (`index.php/admin/update/sa/backup`), allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths using a crafted `datasupdateinfo` payload. The files are packaged in a ZIP archive and made available for download without authentication. This vulnerability can be exploited to read arbitrary files on the host system, including sensitive OS and configuration files.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2025-34120? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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