CVE-2000-0144 in 700 Network Document Server
Summary
by MITRE
Axis 700 Network Scanner does not properly restrict access to administrator URLs, which allows users to bypass the password protection via a .. (dot dot) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2000-0144 affects the Axis 700 Network Scanner, a network security device that was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This device operates as a network monitoring tool that provides administrators with web-based interfaces for configuration and management purposes. The flaw resides in the web server implementation of the device's firmware, specifically in how it processes URL paths and handles directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal attack vector that exploits improper input validation in the web application layer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the Axis 700's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied URL parameters before processing them within the web server context. When users attempt to access administrator-only URLs, the device should enforce authentication checks and authorization controls. However, the system does not adequately validate the presence of directory traversal sequences such as ".." or "%2e%2e" in the URL path components. This allows an attacker to manipulate the requested resource path by appending these sequences, effectively navigating to parent directories and accessing restricted administrative interfaces without proper authentication. The flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server's path resolution mechanism, making it a type of path traversal vulnerability that aligns with CWE-22.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant and multifaceted within network security contexts. An unauthenticated attacker who can reach the device's web interface can bypass authentication mechanisms entirely and gain administrative access to the network scanner. This access enables complete control over the device's configuration, including the ability to modify network monitoring rules, change user accounts, access captured network traffic, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor that allows attackers to escalate privileges from anonymous access to full administrative control without needing valid credentials. This represents a critical security failure that undermines the fundamental security model of the device.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in network security appliances. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability also highlights the common security anti-pattern of insufficient sanitization of user inputs in web applications, which is a recurring theme in cybersecurity incidents. Organizations deploying such network monitoring devices faced a critical risk where the security boundary between public and administrative access was completely bypassed, potentially exposing entire network monitoring capabilities to unauthorized users. The long-term impact of this vulnerability underscores the necessity of implementing robust security controls in embedded network devices and the importance of proper authentication mechanisms in all web-accessible interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor, which would implement proper path validation and input sanitization. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to administrative interfaces to only trusted networks and IP addresses. Additionally, organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unusual access patterns and implement regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly in embedded systems and network appliances where the attack surface can provide significant access to enterprise networks. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits of network infrastructure components remain essential to identify and remediate similar access control flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.