MapProxy Improper File Process Scanner

MapProxy is an open-source proxy for geospatial data used by developers and systems administrators who require caching, transformation, or access control for map services. It is often utilized by organizations for providing scalable map services that integrate various map sources into unified service interfaces. The software is typically deployed in environments where performance, service merging, and transformation capabilities are needed, such as geographical information systems (GIS) and location-based services.

Improper File Process vulnerabilities, like those detected by this scanner, arise from insecure handling of file-access protocols within applications such as MapProxy. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to exploit incorrect validation of user-supplied headers or input, enabling them to bypass access controls and read arbitrary files on the server. Typically, this occurs when the application trusts header values without proper sanitization, leading to path traversal or local file inclusion.

Specifically, this scanner checks the X-Forwarded-Host header in MapProxy requests. When MapProxy processes this header without validation, an attacker can inject a file:// URL, causing the server to fetch and return local files. The vulnerable endpoint is often the proxy service that uses the header to construct internal URLs, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary file paths.

If exploited, an attacker can read sensitive files such as configuration files, credentials, or application source code from the server. This can lead to further compromise, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The impact is high due to potential data exposure and the ability to gather intelligence for targeted attacks.