Unknown · Signal K Server · CVE-2026-25228
**Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions**
Signal K Server versions prior to 2.20.3
**Description**
Signal K Server, a server application used in marine environments, contains a path traversal issue in its applicationData API. Authenticated users on Windows systems can potentially read, write, and list arbitrary files and directories on the filesystem. The `validateAppId()` function inadequately validates input, specifically failing to block backslashes (``), which are recognized as directory separators on Windows systems. This allows attackers to bypass the intended applicationData directory restrictions. The vulnerability exists due to the incomplete sanitization of the `appid` parameter within the `validateAppId()` function. The function only checks for forward slashes (`/`) and does not account for backslashes, which, when combined with the `path.join()` function on Windows, enables directory traversal sequences like `......`. A proof-of-concept (PoC) script demonstrates the ability to traverse directory levels and access sensitive files.
**Recommendations**
Versions prior to 2.20.3: Add backslash validation to the `validateAppId()` function.
Versions prior to 2.20.3: Utilize `path.normalize()` and validate that the resolved paths remain within the intended directory.