CVE-1999-1377 in Download.cgi
Summary
by MITRE
Matt Wright's download.cgi 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the f parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-1377 represents a classic directory traversal attack affecting Matt Wright's download.cgi version 1.0. This flaw resides in the improper validation of user-supplied input parameters, specifically the 'f' parameter that controls file access operations. The vulnerability enables malicious actors to bypass normal file access restrictions and retrieve arbitrary files from the server filesystem through manipulation of the file path parameter using directory traversal sequences.
This security weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation mechanisms within the download.cgi script. When the 'f' parameter contains sequences such as '../' or similar directory traversal patterns, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing file access requests. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in how the software handles file path resolution, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unrestricted access to the server's file system. An attacker could potentially retrieve configuration files containing database credentials, system configuration data, user information, or other sensitive materials that could compromise the entire system. This vulnerability represents a critical security risk for web applications that rely on file access functionality, as it essentially grants unauthorized users the ability to read any file accessible to the web server process.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The flaw aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers often use such vulnerabilities to gain initial access and then escalate privileges. The vulnerability also reflects poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental security principles of input validation and access control enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-1377 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences from user inputs before processing file access requests. The most effective approaches include using allow-list validation to permit only known good file paths, implementing proper access control mechanisms, and employing secure file handling libraries that prevent path traversal attacks. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications, while system administrators should ensure that web server processes run with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.