CVE-2024-8524 identifies a directory traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22 in the modelscope/agentscope software, specifically version 0.0.4. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass intended directory restrictions by manipulating the pathname input in a POST request to the /read-examples endpoint. This improper limitation of pathname input enables the attacker to read arbitrary local JSON files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive configuration, credential, or operational data. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, making it remotely exploitable over the network. The CVSS v3.0 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity due to the vulnerability's ability to compromise confidentiality with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits have been reported, the flaw presents a significant risk to any deployment of modelscope/agentscope that exposes this endpoint. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to gather intelligence for further attacks or to exfiltrate sensitive data, impacting organizations relying on this software for AI model management or data processing.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-8524 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information stored in JSON files on affected systems. This can include configuration details, credentials, or proprietary data, leading to potential data breaches and compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability but compromises confidentiality, which can undermine trust and lead to reputational damage. Organizations in sectors with high AI adoption, such as finance, healthcare, and research, may face increased risk due to the sensitive nature of their data. Additionally, attackers could use the disclosed information to facilitate further attacks, such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks. The ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, especially for publicly accessible deployments. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate widespread impact but does not reduce the urgency for mitigation.

1. Immediately restrict network access to the /read-examples endpoint by implementing firewall rules or network segmentation to limit exposure to trusted internal users only. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on pathname parameters to prevent directory traversal sequences such as '../' from being processed. 3. Monitor application logs for suspicious POST requests targeting the /read-examples endpoint, especially those containing unusual path traversal patterns. 4. If possible, disable or remove the /read-examples endpoint until a vendor patch or official fix is released. 5. Apply the principle of least privilege to the file system permissions, ensuring the application process cannot read files outside its intended directories. 6. Stay informed on vendor advisories and apply patches promptly once available. 7. Conduct internal audits to identify any unauthorized data access that may have occurred prior to mitigation. 8. Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block directory traversal attempts targeting this endpoint.