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.

Classification

CVE ID: CVE-2025-27092

CVSS Base Severity: HIGH

CVSS Base Score: 8.7

CVSS Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N

Affected Products

Vendor: cmu-sei

Product: GHOSTS

Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS)

EPSS Score: 0.05% (probability of being exploited)

EPSS Percentile: 12.0% (scored less or equal to compared to others)

EPSS Date: 2025-03-20 (when was this score calculated)

References

https://github.com/cmu-sei/GHOSTS/security/advisories/GHSA-qr67-m6w9-wj3j
https://github.com/cmu-sei/GHOSTS/commit/e69827556a52ff813de00e1017c4b62598d2c887

Timeline