GHSA-393c-p46r-7c95 Directus: Path Traversal and Broken Access Control in File Management API

• npm directus: < 11.17.0 → fixed in 11.17.0

Summary A broken access control vulnerability was identified in the Directus file management API that allows authenticated users to overwrite files belonging to other users by manipulating the `filename_disk` parameter. Details The `PATCH /files/{id}` endpoint accepts a user-controlled `filename_disk` parameter. By setting this value to match the storage path of another user's file, an attacker can overwrite that file's content while manipulating metadata fields such as `uploaded_by` to obscure the tampering. Impact • Unauthorized File Overwrite: Attackers can replace legitimate files with malicious content, creating significant risk of malware propagation and data corruption. • Remote Code Execution: If the storage backend is shared with the extensions location, attackers can deploy malicious extensions that execute arbitrary code when loaded. • Data Integrity Compromise: Files can be tampered with or replaced without visible indication in the application interface. Mitigation The `filename_disk` parameter should be treated as a server-controlled value. Uniqueness of storage paths must be enforced server-side, and `filename_disk` should be excluded from the fields users are permitted to update directly.