CVE-2023-51444

What it is

GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. An arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2.23.4 and 2.24.1 that enables an authenticated administrator with permissions to modify coverage stores through the REST Coverage Store API to upload arbitrary file contents to arbitrary file locations which can lead to remote code execution. Coverage stores that are configured using relative paths use a GeoServer Resource implementation that has validation to prevent path traversal but coverage stores that are configured using absolute paths use a different Resource implementation that does not prevent path traversal. This vulnerability can lead to executing arbitrary code. An administrator with limited privileges could also potentially exploit this to overwrite GeoServer security files and obtain full administrator privileges. Versions 2.23.4 and 2.24.1 contain a fix for this issue.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2024-03-20 15:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 06:40 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2024-03-20 15:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 06:40 UTC

Exploit probability

1.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Geoserver < 2.23.4
• Geoserver 2.24.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.2

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-51444.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-51444. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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