CVE-1999-1069 in Electronic Commerce Suite
Summary
by MITRE
directory traversal vulnerability in carbo.dll in icat carbo server 3.0.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the icatcommand parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-1069 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the icat carbo server version 3.0.0, specifically affecting the carbo.dll component. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the target system by manipulating the icatcommand parameter through the use of directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the server's file handling routines, allowing malicious users to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access restricted system files.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by exploiting the server's failure to properly validate user-supplied input in the icatcommand parameter. When an attacker submits a request containing .. (dot dot) sequences, the server processes these characters without adequate filtering, permitting access to files outside the designated web root or application directory. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the file system, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the icat carbo server's ability to maintain proper file system isolation, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on this server for content delivery or database access services. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, system compromise, or data breaches that could affect business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as part of the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, where adversaries manipulate application functionality to access unauthorized resources. Organizations should implement proper input validation measures, including whitelisting acceptable characters and paths, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that all file system operations validate input parameters against expected patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems that may not have received updates or patches. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in preventing unauthorized file system access and maintaining overall system security posture.