CVE-2022-23457: GHSL-2022-008: Path traversal in the OWASP Enterprise Security API (ESAPI)- CVE-2022-23457

Published Apr 20, 2022
·
Updated

ESAPI (The OWASP Enterprise Security API) is a free, open source, web application security control library. Prior to version 2.3.0.0, the default implementation of Validator.getValidDirectoryPath(String, String, File, boolean) may incorrectly treat the tested input string as a child of the specified parent directory. This potentially could allow control-flow bypass checks to be defeated if an attack can specify the entire string representing the 'input' path. This vulnerability is patched in release 2.3.0.0 of ESAPI. As a workaround, it is possible to write one's own implementation of the Validator interface. However, maintainers do not recommend this.

Other sources

getValidDirectoryPath incorrectly treats sibling of a root directory as a child.

— GitHub Security Lab

Affected Software

11 affected componentsFixes available
OWASP Enterprise Security API<2.3.0.0
Oracle WebLogic Server=12.2.1.3.0
Oracle WebLogic Server=12.2.1.4.0
Oracle WebLogic Server=14.1.1.0.0
NetApp Active Iq Unified Manager Linux
NetApp Active Iq Unified Manager Vmware Vsphere
NetApp Active Iq Unified Manager Windows
NetApp OnCommand Workflow Automation
debian/libowasp-esapi-java<2.4.0.0-1
2.4.0.0-1
debian/libowasp-esapi-java<2.4.0.0-1
2.4.0.0-1
debian/libowasp-esapi-java
2.4.0.0-22.4.0.0-2.12.4.0.0-3

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/libowasp-esapi-java to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.4.0.0-2Fixed in 2.4.0.0-2.1Fixed in 2.4.0.0-3
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/libowasp-esapi-java to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.4.0.0-1
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade OWASP ESAPI to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.3.0.0

Event History

Apr 20, 2022
Advisory Published
via GitHub Security Lab·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via GitHub Security Lab·12:00 AM
DescriptionAffected Software
Apr 25, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Data Sourced
via OSV·08:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Aug 16, 2025
Exploit Published
via GitHub·02:00 PM

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2022-23457?

CVE-2022-23457 is a vulnerability in the ESAPI (The OWASP Enterprise Security API) library that allows an attacker to manipulate directory paths in an insecure manner.

2

What is the severity level of CVE-2022-23457?

The severity level of CVE-2022-23457 is critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2022-23457?

CVE-2022-23457 affects the following software: OWASP Enterprise Security API (up to version 2.3.0.0), Oracle WebLogic Server (version 12.2.1.3.0 and 12.2.1.4.0), Oracle WebLogic Server (version 14.1.1.0.0), Netapp Active Iq Unified Manager, Apple iPadOS, Apple watchOS, and NetApp OnCommand Workflow Automation.

4

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2022-23457?

An attacker can exploit CVE-2022-23457 by supplying a malicious input string that can be incorrectly treated as a child directory of a specified path, leading to potential directory traversal attacks.

5

Are there any patches or fixes available for CVE-2022-23457?

Yes, patches and fixes are available for CVE-2022-23457. It is recommended to update to a version of the affected software that includes the fix or apply the necessary security patches provided by the vendor.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203