Description
An unauthenticated file download vulnerability exists in LimeSurvey versions from 2.0+ up to and including 2.06+ Build 151014. The application fails to validate serialized input to the admin backup endpoint (`index.php/admin/update/sa/backup`), allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths using a crafted `datasupdateinfo` payload. The files are packaged in a ZIP archive and made available for download without authentication. This vulnerability can be exploited to read arbitrary files on the host system, including sensitive OS and configuration files.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| LimeSurvey | LimeSurvey | 2.0+ – ≤ 2.06+ Build 151014 | — |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Metasploit 1 module
-
Limesurvey Unauthenticated File Download
auxiliary/admin/http/limesurvey_file_download
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
References
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210123073627/https://www.limesurvey.org/blog/22-security/136-limesurvey-security-advisory-10-2015 vendor-advisory patch
- https://sec-consult.com/vulnerability-lab/advisory/multiple-critical-vulnerabilities-in-lime-survey/ third-party-advisory technical-description
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/auxiliary/admin/http/limesurvey_file_download.rb exploit
- https://packetstorm.news/files/id/180855 exploit
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/limesurvey-unauthenticated-arbitrary-file-download third-party-advisory