CVE-2024-23634: GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. An arbitrary file renaming vulnerabil...

Description

GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. An arbitrary file renaming vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.23.5 and 2.24.2 that enables an authenticated administrator with permissions to modify stores through the REST Coverage Store or Data Store API to rename arbitrary files and directories with a name that does not end in `.zip`. Store file uploads rename zip files to have a `.zip` extension if it doesn't already have one before unzipping the file. This is fine for file and url upload methods where the files will be in a specific subdirectory of the data directory but, when using the external upload method, this allows arbitrary files and directories to be renamed. Renaming GeoServer files will most likely result in a denial of service, either completely preventing GeoServer from running or effectively deleting specific resources (such as a workspace, layer or style). In some cases, renaming GeoServer files could revert to the default settings for that file which could be relatively harmless like removing contact information or have more serious consequences like allowing users to make OGC requests that the customized settings would have prevented them from making. The impact of renaming non-GeoServer files depends on the specific environment although some sort of denial of service is a likely outcome. Versions 2.23.5 and 2.24.2 contain a fix for this issue.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.69%

48.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Geoserver	Geoserver	< 2.23.5
Geoserver	Geoserver	>= 2.24.0, < 2.24.2

References

https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/commit/5d6af2f8ba9ad7dffae59575504a867159698772Patch
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/commit/c37f58fbacdfa0d581a6f99195585f70b1201f0aPatch
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/pull/7289Issue Tracking
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/security/advisories/GHSA-75m5-hh4r-q9gxExploit, Vendor Advisory
https://osgeo-org.atlassian.net/browse/GEOS-11213Issue Tracking
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/commit/5d6af2f8ba9ad7dffae59575504a867159698772Patch
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/commit/c37f58fbacdfa0d581a6f99195585f70b1201f0aPatch
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/pull/7289Issue Tracking
https://github.com/geoserver/geoserver/security/advisories/GHSA-75m5-hh4r-q9gxExploit, Vendor Advisory
https://osgeo-org.atlassian.net/browse/GEOS-11213Issue Tracking

Timeline

Published: Mar 20, 2024
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-23634?

GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. An arbitrary file renaming vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.23.5 and 2.24.2 that enables an authenticated administrator with permissions to modify stores through the REST Coverage Store or Data Store API to rename arbitrary files and directories with a name that does not end in `.zip`. Store file uploads rename zip files to have a `.zip` extension if it doesn't already have one before unzipping the file. This is fine for file and url upload methods where the files will be in a specific subdirectory of the data directory but, when using the external upload method, this allows arbitrary files and directories to be renamed. Renaming GeoServer files will most likely result in a denial of service, either completely preventing GeoServer from running or effectively deleting specific resources (such as a workspace, layer or style). In some cases, renaming GeoServer files could revert to the default settings for that file which could be relatively harmless like removing contact information or have more serious consequences like allowing users to make OGC requests that the customized settings would have prevented them from making. The impact of renaming non-GeoServer files depends on the specific environment although some sort of denial of service is a likely outcome. Versions 2.23.5 and 2.24.2 contain a fix for this issue.

How severe is CVE-2024-23634?

CVE-2024-23634 has a CVSS score of 6/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.69% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2024-23634?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.